A tanker truck carrying diesel intended for the Jirama power plant in Amporaha was intercepted by gendarmes on Monday afternoon. The fuel was allegedly being transferred into jerrycans inside a private property in the Morafeno neighborhood.
This incident occurs as the power plant recently received six engines sent by the State to help reduce power outages in Antsiranana. After loading fuel at the Grand Pavois oil logistics depot, the vehicle reportedly deviated from its usual route to reach the property near National Road 6. The diesel was allegedly transferred into seventy jerrycans.
Investigators have noted several anomalies: the truck’s GPS tracking system was reportedly non-functional at the time, and the two valves on top of the tanker were no longer sealed. The discovery of numerous empty jerrycans in a container raises questions about repeated embezzlement. The investigation will determine if these containers were used to store fuel stolen from Jirama deliveries.
The operation was triggered by intelligence provided to the commander of the Antsiranana interregional gendarmerie. Gendarmes surprised two men transferring diesel. Other individuals fled the scene. Investigations are ongoing to determine responsibilities and verify the existence of an organized network. Local residents reported that suburban buses and other vehicles had been refueling there for some time, believing it to be a legitimate business. The price per jerrycan had reportedly risen from 85,000 to 90,000 ariary.
Beyond Monday’s events, the investigation must determine if fuel intended for the Jirama plant was systematically diverted and identify potential failures in the security and control of fuel deliveries, which are vital for the operation of the power plant’s engines.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-21 06:08:57 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/antsiranana-le-carburant-de-la-jirama.html