Energy Regulation Board cuts diesel price for April, maintains pump price for petrol, kerosene

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has reduced the pump price of diesel for April 2025 while keeping petrol, kerosene, and Jet A-1 prices unchanged.

Announcing the monthly fuel price review on Monday, ERB Board Chairperson, James Banda, said diesel has been adjusted downward from K32.54 per litre to K30.23 per litre.

Meanwhile, petrol remains at K34.98/litre, kerosene at K29.56/litre, and Jet A-1 at K32.51/litre.

Banda attributed the reduction in diesel prices to a 6.85 percent drop in international diesel prices, from US$89.58 per barrel to US$83.44 per barrel in February 2025.

Petrol prices also declined by 7.26 percent on the global market, from US$82.36 per barrel to US$76.38 per barrel, while kerosene saw an 8.11 percent decrease, from US$89.81 per barrel to US$82.53 per barrel.

However, he noted that despite these reductions, the exchange rate of the Kwacha against the US dollar depreciated by 0.98 percent in March, from K28.78/US$ to K29.07/US$, affecting overall pricing.

Banda also highlighted the impact of the TAZAMA Open Access policy, which allows multiple suppliers to use the TAZAMA pipeline for diesel transportation.

“This key reform in the petroleum sector is expected to enhance competition, improve efficiency, and reduce reliance on road transport for diesel imports,” he said.

Under the Open Access system, TAZAMA issues open tenders for diesel supply, assessing bidders based on technical and financial capabilities.

This competitive process was expected to lower costs and ensure a stable supply of diesel.

“Unlike other petroleum products that are transported solely by road, diesel will now be moved via both pipeline and road, reducing transportation costs in the diesel pricing structure,” Banda added.

The ERB would continue monitoring global oil price trends and exchange rate fluctuations to determine future fuel price adjustments.

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