Energy Poverty Pushes Cost of Living Higher, JCTR Warns
The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection has raised concern about the worsening cost-of-living crisis after the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket for a family of five in Lusaka increased to K11,079.13 in November, up from K10,834.80 recorded in October.
According to a statement issued by Ms. Lukwesa Musonda, Social and Economic Development Programme Officer, the rise was driven mainly by higher prices of essential non-food items. Charcoal became more expensive, increasing from K553.33 to K633.33 for a 90kg bag.
She explained that the rainy season has made charcoal production and transportation more difficult.
Ms. Musonda added that this increase comes at a challenging time, as households are enduring the longest hours of load shedding this year, with only three hours of electricity available daily.
For many families without reliable electricity, charcoal remains the only dependable cooking and heating option. Ms. Musonda noted that the rising price of charcoal is putting additional pressure on households that are already struggling to afford basic necessities.
The cost of essential food items also rose from K4,401.90 to K4,497.53. Higher prices for beans, cassava flour, kapenta and milk are expected to make it even harder for families to maintain a nutritious diet. Ms. Musonda warned that many households have already reduced their food consumption due to economic constraints.
Energy poverty continues to affect both rural and urban homes. Many households connected to the national grid experience frequent blackouts, low voltage and unreliable electricity supply.
Ms. Musonda highlighted that this situation has also led to water shortages because pumps cannot operate consistently. These challenges come at a time when the country is grappling with a cholera outbreak, which had recorded 578 cases and nine deaths in 13 districts by 24 November.
The continued dependence on charcoal, combined with unstable electricity access, is worsening financial pressures and affecting nutrition, health and overall well-being.
Ms. Musonda urged government and cooperating partners to expand access to clean cooking solutions, improve the quality of electricity supply and ensure that renewable energy options are affordable for ordinary consumers.
She stressed that food security, energy access and poverty reduction are closely linked. Ms. Musonda called for urgent and coordinated action to support vulnerable households and help build a society where every person can live with dignity.
