ERB blames worsening fuel shortages on bottlenecks at the borders, cautions against panic buying

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has attributed the ongoing fuel shortages across the country to cross-border and logistical challenges.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the ERB highlighted congestion at the port of Beira, Mozambique, as a key factor, exacerbated by the country’s decision to declare October 9, 2024, a public holiday for elections.

This, according to the ERB, is expected to further disrupt fuel transportation.

ERB Public Relations Manager, Namukolo Kasumpa, also pointed to new customs regulations in Zimbabwe, which have prompted fuel transporters to suspend imports through that route.

Read more:Kitwe grinds to a halt as petrol shortage worsens

This had caused delays at the Chanida Border Post, lengthening transit times due to extended routes.

“In an effort to increase fuel deliveries and ease the shortages, the ERB has temporarily relaxed movement restrictions for petroleum tanker vehicles.

Operating hours have been extended to 05:00 hours to 20:22 hours from October 7 to 31, 2024, as opposed to the previous 06:00 hours to 18:00 hours,” Kasumpa said.

She urged the public not to engage in panic buying, assuring that the ERB was working closely with government agencies and oil marketing companies to improve fuel distribution logistics and ensure a consistent supply.

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