Fuel shortages taking a toll on Mpika District’s fragile economy —Kapyanga

Mpika District, a key hub for fuel distribution and home to regional fuel storage tanks fed by the TAZAMA pipeline, is facing a critical fuel shortage, raising concerns over economic disruptions and daily inconveniences for residents.

Francis Kapyanga, the Mpika Constituency lawmaker, expressed alarm that motorists are queuing for hours to access fuel despite Mpika’s strategic role in the national fuel supply chain.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, Kapyanga attributed the shortage to the withdrawal of 3,500 tanker trucks by Zimbabwean transporters, who cited high transportation taxes imposed by their government.

“While the minister’s explanation offers some insight into the issue, it overlooks an important fact: Mpika is home to fuel storage tanks fed by the TAZAMA pipeline, which should ensure a steady supply of fuel to the district,” Kapyanga said.

He questioned the effectiveness of the fuel distribution system and the coordination among relevant institutions, calling for immediate government intervention to resolve the crisis.

Kapyanga warned that the fuel shortage was taking a toll on local businesses, which rely on a consistent fuel supply to maintain operations, while residents struggled with higher transportation costs and limited mobility.

“The government must act decisively—whether by addressing transportation bottlenecks, engaging fuel distributors, or ensuring the proper functioning of the TAZAMA pipeline—to prevent further economic losses and inconvenience to the people of Mpika,” he stated.

Kapyanga urged stakeholders, including local authorities, businesses, and citizens, to remain patient but actively push for a swift resolution as the government intervenes.

“The future prosperity of our district depends on an effective, reliable fuel distribution system, and we cannot afford to allow this shortage to persist any longer,” he added.

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