Government assures on fuel security despite noticed shortages

The Ministry of Energy has assured the public that Zambia’s national fuel supply remains secure despite reports of localised shortages at some service stations, which it attributed to administrative and logistical inefficiencies by individual Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).

Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Peter Mumba, said the Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and has initiated investigations into fuel hoarding, particularly by outlets that delay dispensing fuel after the Energy Regulation Board’s (ERB) monthly price reviews.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mumba disclosed that the country currently has 121.97 million litres of diesel in stock, sufficient to meet 27 days of national demand, based on an average daily consumption of 4.5 million litres.

“These stock levels are well above the ERB’s minimum threshold of 15 days, confirming that the country’s fuel security remains intact,” he said.

He added that out of 637 service stations surveyed across the country: 606 were dispensing both diesel and petrol, 13 had diesel only, and 5 had petrol only, indicating that the majority of outlets are operational and capable of serving consumers.

Mumba condemned hoarding and delays by OMCs, calling them “unwarranted and unacceptable,” and urged companies to urgently address internal supply chain lapses to prevent unnecessary consumer inconvenience.

Meanwhile, the Ministry noted that the ongoing implementation of the TAZAMA Pipeline Open Access Frameworkhas introduced greater competition in the petroleum sector, contributing to supply efficiency and a sustained reduction in diesel pump prices.

“Government remains fully committed to ensuring a stable, transparent, and uninterrupted supply of petroleum products. The Ministry will continue to work with the ERB and all stakeholders to uphold efficiency, compliance, and high service standards in the fuel sector,” Mumba stated.

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