Developing Story: Filling stations in Lusaka reportedly running out of fuel

Some filling stations in Lusaka are reportedly running out of fuel, leading to speculations on whether the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are withholding the commodity in anticipation of an increase in fuel pump prices.

A spot check on Wednesday in Lusaka established that some filling stations have not had any stocks of both diesel and petrol from last week.

Among the affected filling stations are Total Energies and Rubis filling stations, along Alick Nkhata road and Total and Puma filling stations, along Kabulonga road.

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has attributed the observed pockets of fuel outages at selected filling stations to logistical challenges on the part of respective OMCs that operate the retail sites.

ERB Public Relations Officer, Namukolo Kasumpa, spoke to Zambia Monitor in Lusaka.

She said the board has received reports from OMCs who have had import challenges related to the scarcity of foreign exchange on the market, coupled with the depreciation of the Kwacha especially in the last 6 months.

Kasumpa said in order to ensure that there is a reliable and continuous fuel supply chain in the country; the ERB is undertaking routine fuel stocks monitoring working in collaboration with TAZAMA, INDENI and OMCs.

“The Board remains committed to working diligently to prevent any fuel shortages or disruptions and will continue to closely monitor the fuel supply situation and maintain regular communication with fuel suppliers to address any potential challenges promptly,” she said.

Kasumpa assured members of the public that it was doing everything possible to address the reported shortages of fuel that were being experienced in the country.

“Members of the public are encouraged to seek further clarification on the current supply situation from ERB offices in Kasama, Kitwe, Livingstone and Lusaka or via the ERB Toll Free Line 8484,” she said.

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