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The National Oil Marketing Association (NOMA) has denied allegations that oil marketing companies (OMCs) are deliberately hoarding fuel, saying diesel shortages in Zambia are primarily due to limited access to supply rather than withheld stock.
In a statement on Friday, NOMA said its members, who operate under the regulatory framework of the Energy Regulation Board (ERB), remain committed to ensuring steady fuel supply nationwide.
The association said recent public concerns suggesting OMCs were holding back petroleum products were unfounded, pointing instead to challenges in accessing diesel, particularly through the TAZAMA Pipeline.
“The supply challenges currently being experienced are primarily the result of limited access to product rather than any deliberate withholding of stock by OMCs,” it said.
According to them, diesel from the pipeline has not been released into the retail market in expected quantities, affecting the ability of OMCs to supply filling stations across the country.
Read more: Govt warns against hoarding of petroleum products amid Middle East tensions
It claimed that some members had fully prepaid for consignments as far back as February, but the fuel has yet to be delivered.
Under ERB guidelines, diesel from the pipeline is prioritised for the retail market, with any excess allocated to commercial customers. NOMA said there has been no release to commercial clients since March 1, 2026.
The association called on the ERB to intervene and engage relevant stakeholders to facilitate the timely release of diesel, warning that continued delays could result in widespread stockouts affecting consumers, industry players, and the wider economy.
The issue comes amid concerns raised by the Zambia Ministry of Energy, which cautioned OMCs and fuel service station operators against hoarding amid speculation of rising international oil prices linked to the Middle East crisis. Minister in-Charge Makozo Chikote said creating artificial shortages violated petroleum supply regulations and could attract sanctions.
“Creating artificial shortages through fuel hoarding is unlawful and will not be tolerated,” Chikote said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
It reiterated that once diesel is released, its members are ready to immediately distribute fuel and stressed their commitment to transparency, stability, and continuity in petroleum supply.
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