The Zambian government has declared a state of emergency regarding the country's fuel supply, as the war in the Middle East continues to roil the global oil market.
To protect the Zambian economy , the government also approved the exemption from value-added tax (VAT), and the suspension of excise duties on imports of gasoline and diesel for a period of three months from April 1, according to a statement from the Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa, published on March 31.
According to Mr. Mweetwa, the government is concerned about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted global oil supply chains following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz . This situation has led to higher international fuel prices and increased pressure on domestic pump prices.
Also on March 31, Zambia's energy regulator announced an increase in fuel prices at the pump. Under the new tariff structure, the price of gasoline rose by 2.03%, while the price of diesel jumped by 28.09%.
This instability is felt daily in the country. "My business is down. I can no longer travel regularly as before because of the fuel problem," explains Fridah Mbiza, a resident of the Lusaka region.
"We spend time looking for fuel. The war should end and then the fuel supply will resume," said Fredrick Nabuzoka, another resident.
Some analysts have warned that the fuel shortage extends beyond the country. "Energy insecurity is enormous. It doesn't just affect Zambia, but about 75% of other African countries ," explains Johnstone Chikwanda, an energy expert, who also highlights concerns about fuel "availability" .
