Government is working on a financial arrangement to ensure adequate fuel supplies during the festive season and plans to deal decisively with black market fuel traders who pose a serious risk to human life, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has said.

She said Government wanted the law to decisively deal with people posing danger to human life and property by selling fuel illegally in open spaces near fuel stations.

Minister Mutsvangwa made the remarks while briefing journalists on decisions taken by Cabinet after its 11th sitting at Munhumutapa Government Offices in Harare yesterday.

"Cabinet received a brief on the fuel supply situation in the country from the Minister of Energy and Power Development (Dr Joram Gumbo)," she said.

"Cabinet noted that although fuel supply challenges on the market were still persisting, the situation is gradually improving when compared to the previous week. Cabinet was also assured that financing arrangements are being put in place, on the basis of which the country will have adequate fuel supplies during the coming festive season," said Minister Mutsvangwa.

"Cabinet, however, noted with concern that some unscrupulous individuals were purchasing and reselling fuel in jerry cans at extortionate prices in close proximity to fuel stations.

"This practice poses a high risk to the general public, considering the inflammable nature of petroleum fuel. Further, some of the fuel being sold from jerry cans is contaminated and may therefore damage vehicles.

"Cabinet, accordingly, directed the relevant law and order maintenance arms of the State to resolutely stamp out this practice so as to prevent possible loss of lives and destruction of property," she said.