The Ministry of Energy wishes to reassure the public that the country currently has sufficient diesel stocks to meet national demand. Reports of shortages at selected fuel stations have been attributed to administrative and logistical challenges faced by individual Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and not due to any disruption in the national fuel supply system.
Permanent Secretary-Technical Services, Mr. Peter Mumba has explained that Zambia currently holds 121,969,581.82 litres of diesel, enough to last 27 days based on the national average daily consumption of 4,505,990.66 litres.
These stock levels are well above the Energy Regulation Board’s (ERB) minimum threshold of 15 days, confirming the country’s strong fuel security position.
Mr Mumba said fuel availability data from 637 service stations across the country shows that 606 stations are dispensing both diesel and petrol, while 13 have diesel only, and 5 are selling petrol only. This indicates that the vast majority of retail outlets remain operational and capable of meeting consumer demand.
The Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and is actively investigating reports of fuel hoarding, particularly in instances where outlets may delay dispensing fuel following ERB’s monthly fuel price reviews. With adequate fuel stocks in place, such actions are deemed unwarranted and unacceptable.
Government therefore calls on all OMCs to urgently address internal supply chain inefficiencies and ensure that their service stations across the country remain fully stocked. Consumers should not experience shortages resulting from avoidable operational lapses.
Meanwhile, the Ministry notes that the ongoing implementation of the TAZAMA Pipeline Open Access Framework has introduced greater competition within the petroleum sub-sector. This reform has significantly enhanced supply efficiency and contributed to the continued decline in diesel pump prices, benefiting both businesses and the public.
Mr Mumba said the government remains fully committed to ensuring a stable, transparent, and uninterrupted supply of petroleum products. The Ministry of Energy will continue working closely with the ERB and all stakeholders to uphold efficiency, compliance, and service delivery in the fuel sector.
Issued by:
Bob Sianjalika (Mr)
Principal Public Relations Officer
MINISTRY OF ENERGY