MINISTRY OF ENERGY
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION OF A TURNKEY FUEL MARKING PROGRAMME (FMP) SOLUTION
Procurement Ref: 001/FMP/DOE-2025/2026
1. BACKGROUND
The Ministry of Energy is mandated to ensure that energy is accessible for all socio-economic demand sectors. Lesotho does not have an oil refinery or reserves of petroleum products, coal, or natural gas. As a result, the country is entirely dependent on imported fossil fuels to meet its energy requirements, particularly in transportation and industrial processes. Due to the closure of oil refineries in the Republic of South Africa, there are prevalent challenges in the supply of oil products from the coast, necessitating companies in Lesotho to diversify their supply channels.
One of the significant challenges faced by Lesotho’s petroleum sector is the absence of stationed inspectors at designated border posts, petroleum storage facilities, depots, and retail outlets. The government is therefore dependent on information provided by registered oil companies regarding the quality and quantity of petroleum products. This limitation leads to issues such as under-declaration of volumes, smuggling of products, tax evasion and adulteration of fuels. There are reported instances of non-compliance by some players, including non-registered entities, in the importation of petroleum products.
The Energy Policy calls for the adoption of measures to ensure the security of supply of petroleum products. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Energy intends to establish a robust Fuel Marking Programme.
2. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The Ministry of Energy intends to engage a qualified firm to implement and operate a turnkey Fuel Marking Programme (FMP). This initiative will ensure effective monitoring of petroleum products, improve fuel quality, enhance Government revenue collection, and curb smuggling.
Specific objectives:
• To implement a mandatory inspection mechanism on all petrol, diesel, and illuminating paraffin imports.
• To capture accurate data regarding the quality and quantity of imported products at border points.
• To detect and scientifically prove instances of dilution, adulteration, and tax evasion for legal enforcement.
3. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The appointed firm will be responsible for the full lifecycle of the Fuel Marking Programme:
• Supply of Technology: Provision of proprietary, forensic fuel markers suitable for the Lesotho market.
• Marking Operations: Execution of dosing operations at designated entry points and border posts.
• Equipment Provision: Supply and maintenance of all necessary equipment for the FMP, including office equipment, markers, and mobile analysers for immediate forensic results onsite.
• Field Inspections: Deployment of mobile testing units and field teams to conduct random and targeted inspections at all points of consumption (such as retail outlets) and fuel in transit in collaboration with the Government’s designated enforcement agency.
• Data Management: Implementation of a secure digital platform to record marking volumes, inspection results, and non-compliance incidents in real-time.
• Capacity Building: Training of Ministry of Energy and Revenue Services Lesotho officials on detection equipment, sampling procedures, and evidence handling.
4. COMPETENCE AND EXPERTISE OF THE FIRM
Experience:
• At least 3 years of experience in the direct (contractor) or indirect (subcontractor) provision of a fuel marking programme to at least one national government.
• Implementation and operation of a similar turnkey national fuel marking project (supply and operation) for at least 3 years.
• Demonstrated ownership or exclusive rights to the proposed fuel marking technology components.
• Deep understanding of fuel marking technologies and various marker types, their capabilities with different fuel types, and detection and analysis techniques.
• Strong project management capabilities including preparation of a detailed project plan and budget, effective stakeholder engagement, and monitoring to ensure timely milestone achievement.
• A competent team comprising a Programme Manager, Technical Specialist, and Field Operations Coordinator.
5. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF KEY PERSONNEL
5.1 Programme Manager
Qualifications:
• Relevant tertiary qualification in commerce, engineering or related fields.
Experience:
• Minimum 10 years in petroleum sector operations, regulatory compliance, or fuel quality assurance, with at least 5 years in Africa.
• Proven track record managing similar programmes.
• Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
• Experience in compliance monitoring and risk management frameworks.
5.2 Technical Specialist
Qualifications:
• Tertiary qualification in Chemistry, Engineering, or Natural Sciences.
• Specialized training in fuel additives, markers, and laboratory testing.
Experience:
• At least 5 years in petroleum product testing and quality control.
• Hands-on experience with fuel marking technologies and detection equipment.
• Knowledge of relevant international standards for fuel integrity.
5.3 Field Operations Coordinator
Qualifications:
• Relevant qualifications or certifications in logistics, operations management, or supply chain management.
Experience:
• At least 5 years in field operations in logistics, petroleum distribution, inspection, or related fields.
• Experience coordinating mobile testing units and field audits.
• Strong background in multi-stakeholder engagement environments.
6. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FUEL MARKER
The proposed technology must meet the following mandatory specifications:
i. Once dosed into petroleum products, the marker must:
ii. Be detected at very low concentrations;
iii. Be non-reactive with other markers or additives;
iv. Not be separable from the fuel by physical or chemical means;
v. Not change the fuel colour and/or chemical qualities;
vi. Remain homogeneous at temperatures of -10ºC to +40ºC;
vii. Comply with environmental requirements and not damage engines or equipment;
viii. Have long-term stability of at least 12 months;
ix. Be measurable and precisely detectable;
x. Deliver forensic qualitative and quantitative results in the field using mobile analysers within less than 5 minutes.
7. SHORTLISTING & SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Bidding documents including detailed Terms of Reference will be sent only to short-listed firms. The Ministry is not bound to accept any Expression of Interest and may cancel the process at any time.
Required documents:
• Cover letter signed by authorized personnel.
• Valid Trader’s License.
• Valid Tax Clearance Certificate (if applicable in country of registration).
• Proof of patent/ownership of fuel marking technology components.
• Joint venture agreement or letter of intent (where applicable). Proof of local company registration or joint venture with a local entity is required.
8. SUBMISSION AND DEADLINE
• The Expression of Interest must be submitted in a sealed envelope bearing no identification of the consultant/company.
• The envelope must be clearly marked: “EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR FUEL MARKING PROGRAMME”.
• Must be deposited in the Tender Box at the Department of Energy, Sekhametsi Building, Kingsway, Maseru.
• Deadline: On or before 26 March 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
• Opening: Same day at 11:00 hrs in the presence of company representatives who may choose to attend.
• Electronic submissions will not be allowed. Late submissions will be rejected.
• Submit one (1) original and four (4) copies in a sealed envelope.
9. CLARIFICATIONS
All requests for clarifications must be addressed in writing to:
Secretary Procurement Committee
Email: [email protected]
Office: Ministry of Energy
Government Complex, Africa House, 3rd Floor
Private Bag A91
Maseru 100
Not later than 16:00 hours, Thursday 19 March 2026.