Govt blames logistic challenges at Ndola terminal for diesel shortages

Energy Minister, Makozo Chikote, has assured the public that the diesel shortage currently being experienced in parts of the country would soon be normalised.

Chikote said in a statement on Friday that the intermittent supply was the result of a logistical hiccup at the Ndola Fuel Terminal.

“These operational constraints temporarily slowed the loading and distribution of fuel to various depots and service stations, resulting in sporadic shortages in certain areas,” he said.

He added that the Ministry wished to assure the public that the country continued to hold adequate fuel stocks.

Chikote disclosed that as at February 6, 2026, 113,194,304.93 litres of diesel were stored at the Ndola depot, while 32,130,574.54 litres of petrol were held across depots and retail sites nationwide.

He emphasised that the volumes exceeded the national minimum operating requirements of 5.4 million litres of diesel and 1.7 million litres of petrol per day, providing confidence in the sustained availability of fuel on the market.

“The Ministry sincerely apologises for any inconvenience experienced by motorists, members of the public and businesses due to the temporary disruption in fuel supply,” he said.

Chikote reaffirmed that the government remained committed to ensuring a stable, reliable and consistent supply of petroleum products across the country.

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