TAZAMA Pipeline Boosts Petroleum Sector; Load Shedding Eases — Ministry of Energy
The Ministry of Energy has reported positive developments in the petroleum sub-sector, following the operationalisation of the TAZAMA Pipeline Open Access Framework.
This was disclosed today by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Technical Services, Mr. Peter Mumba, when he appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Budget and Planning, chaired by Honourable Fred Chaatila, Member of Parliament for Moomba Constituency.
Mr Mumba explained that the implementation of the Open Access Framework initially delayed due to outstanding government debts to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) was now fully underway.
He revealed that although the delays had triggered threats of legal action from a few OMCs, the resolution of the challenges had since enabled the country to begin realising tangible benefits, including a notable reduction in diesel pump prices adding that premiums had dropped from USD 83 to USD 54 per metric tonne.
He further stated that new regulatory guidelines had been introduced to promote fairness, competition, and transparency among OMCs and that so far, the Ministry had not received any formal complaints under the new structure.
As regards the electricity sub-sector, Mr Mumba informed the Committee that load shedding was gradually reducing as water levels improved at major hydropower stations such as Kariba and Kafue Gorge.
However, he cautioned that power generation was still constrained, with most plants operating below optimal capacity due to generally low reservoir levels.
He said to manage the available electricity supply, the Ministry had significantly reduced power exports from over 500 megawatts to just above 100 megawatts to prioritise domestic consumption.
“Nonetheless, minimal exports are continuing under binding regional contracts, while imports remain necessary to help meet national demand,” he said .
Mr Mumba also highlighted growing local and international investor interest in Zambia’s electricity sector, especially in renewable and alternative energy ventures.
He said this increased investor confidence and was critical for long-term energy security, He further said the Ministry was working to translate the prospects into concrete projects to diversify the national energy mix.
Regards rural electrification, he raised concern over the poor workmanship by some local contractors under the Rural Electrification Authority (REA). He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to empowering Zambian contractors and stressed the need for strict quality control to ensure rural communities receive reliable and sustainable energy services.
Mr Mumba said the ministry was happy with the works of REA in the electrification of rural and remote parts of the country
He said the Ministry of Energy remained resolute towards its efforts to building a robust, transparent, and inclusive energy sector that supported national development and improved the quality of life for all Zambians.
