Zambia Assures Public of 27-Day Diesel Security Despite Isolated Supply Glitches
The Ministry of Energy has assured the public that Zambia has adequate diesel stocks to meet national consumption, amid reports of temporary fuel shortages at some service stations.
The situation, the government says, is the result of internal administrative and logistical challenges faced by individual Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) — not a disruption in the national supply chain.
According to Mr. Peter Mumba, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, the country currently holds 121.9 million litres of diesel, sufficient to meet 27 days of national demand, which averages 4.5 million litres per day. These reserves far exceed the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) minimum threshold of 15 days, underscoring the robustness of Zambia’s fuel security.
A recent fuel availability survey across 637 service stations revealed that 606 stations are selling both diesel and petrol, 13 have diesel only, while 5 are selling only petrol — confirming that most retail outlets are operating normally.
Mr. Mumba also warned against fuel hoarding practices by some outlets, especially after monthly price reviews by ERB. He described such actions as “unwarranted and unacceptable,” given the current stable stock levels, and said the Ministry is actively investigating these incidents.
The government has urged all OMCs to address supply chain inefficiencies swiftly and ensure uninterrupted fuel availability at all their stations.
In a broader development, the Ministry highlighted the ongoing implementation of the TAZAMA Pipeline Open Access Framework, which has increased competition in the petroleum sector. This reform has enhanced efficiency and contributed to a consistent decline in diesel prices.
Mr. Mumba emphasized the government’s commitment to a stable, transparent, and efficient petroleum supply system, stating that the Ministry will continue working closely with ERB and industry stakeholders to maintain high service standards across the country.
