The Ministry of Energy has moved to calm public concerns over recent reports of fuel shortages, assuring the nation that Zambia currently has adequate diesel stocks to meet the country’s energy needs.
Ministry’s Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Peter Mumba disclosed that Zambia holds 121.9 million litres of diesel, sufficient to cover 27 days of national consumption, well above the Energy Regulation Board (ERB)’s minimum threshold of 15 days.
“There is no national shortage. What we’re seeing are administrative and logistical issues specific to some Oil Marketing Companies.”
“These are isolated incidents and not reflective of the overall fuel supply system,” Mr Mumba said in a press statement.
According to the Ministry’s latest fuel availability survey from 637 service stations across the country, 606 are currently dispensing both petrol and diesel, 13 are offering diesel only, while 5 are selling petrol only.
“The vast majority of retail outlets are fully operational and capable of meeting consumer demand,” Mr. Mumba emphasized.
The Ministry is also investigating possible fuel hoarding by some service stations, especially in cases where companies delay dispensing fuel following monthly price reviews by the ERB.
“With sufficient fuel stocks already in place, any withholding of supply is not only unwarranted but also unacceptable,” Mr. Mumba said, warning that such practices undermine public confidence and market stability.
The Government has called on all OMCs to urgently address internal inefficiencies to prevent unnecessary supply disruptions at their stations.
Meanwhile, the Ministry credited the ongoing implementation of the TAZAMA Pipeline Open Access Framework for increased efficiency in the petroleum sub-sector.
The policy, which opens the pipeline to multiple suppliers, has led to improved competition and contributed to recent reductions in diesel pump prices.
“This reform is paying dividends, consumers are already benefitting from the enhanced supply chain and lower fuel prices,” Mr Mumba stated.
“Fuel security is a national priority,the public can rest assured that the government is fully engaged in maintaining an uninterrupted flow of petroleum products.”