ERB Raises Fuel Prices as Diesel and Kerosene Increase
The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has announced revised petroleum pump prices for May 2026, with notable increases in diesel, kerosene, and Jet A-1, while the price of petrol remains unchanged.
The adjustment follows a monthly review which indicated a continued rise in international oil prices, largely driven by heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. During the review period, petrol prices on the international market increased by 5.77%, from US$114.51 to US$120.28 per barrel.
Diesel recorded a more significant increase of 23.11%, rising from US$162.61 to US$200.19 per barrel, while kerosene and Jet A-1 prices rose by 17.75%, reaching approximately US$200 per barrel.
Despite these increases, the ERB noted that the Zambian Kwacha showed marginal strength against the United States Dollar, appreciating by 1.44% from K19.44 to K19.16. This appreciation helped to partially cushion the impact of rising global oil prices on domestic fuel costs.
Following the review, the pump price of diesel has been increased to K33.99 per litre, kerosene to K35.05 per litre, and Jet A-1 to K37.98 per litre.
Meanwhile, the price of petrol remains unchanged at K27.15 per litre. The ERB explained that the changes in the wholesale price of petrol fell within the set trigger band threshold of 2.5%, and therefore did not warrant an adjustment.
The new prices will take effect at midnight on 30 April 2026 and will remain in place until the next scheduled review.
The ERB has advised stakeholders and the public that detailed price build-ups for both wholesale and pump prices are available on its official website.
