Controversy as govt, oil marketing company differ on prevalence of petroleum products shortages in Zambia

Energy Minister, Makozo Chikote, has said that preliminary investigations indicate reported diesel shortages in Zambia were localized and linked to supply chain bottlenecks.

As of August 21, 2025, national diesel stocks stood at 64,876,487 litres, sufficient to meet 14 days of national consumption, according to reports.

However, Devon Oil Zambia has challenged government’s position, saying that more than 123 filling stations have run dry despite 36 million metric tonnes of diesel being held in TAZAMA tanks in Ndola.

Devon Managing Director, Chombe Gondwe, said government’s refusal to offload the company’s diesel, even after a throughput agreement, had worsened the shortage.

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“There is a throughput agreement between Devon and TAZAMA. We do not understand why government is interfering and preventing the release of stock,” Gondwe said, adding that Devon was ready to supply fuel to avert the crisis.

Minister Chikote, in a statement issued on Friday, said the Ministry of Energy, together with the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) and other stakeholders, were working to stabilise and normalise the fuel market.

“Going forward, we are implementing both short-term and long-term measures to ensure stable and predictable access to fuel across Zambia,” he said.

Measures include intensified spot checks by the ERB, closer monitoring of fuel distribution via TAZAMA, and timely facilitation of imports to boost stock levels.

The Minister emphasised that Zambia had adequate diesel to meet current demand.

A survey of 650 filling stations revealed that 456 dispensing both diesel and petrol, 33 dispensing only diesel, 125 dispensing only petrol, and 36 temporarily out of stock.

“These figures confirm that fuel supply across the country is sufficient. The government remains committed to keeping the public fully informed,” Chikote added.

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