Zambia’s Ministry of Energy appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Parastatal Bodies, chaired by Shiwang’andu Member of Parliament Stephen Kampyongo, to justify the need for a new Petroleum Bill to replace the current Petroleum Act.
Presenting the submissions, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Grace Tonga, noted that the proposed Bill seeks to repeal and replace the outdated Petroleum Act No. 28 of 1930, aligning the petroleum sector with modern standards and international best practices.
The Bill is also intended to enhance the security of petroleum supply in the country and introduce a uniform pricing mechanism through the establishment of the Uniform Petroleum Pricing Fund.
Ms. Tonga explained that the legislation seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for the importation, exportation, transportation, distribution, retail, wholesale marketing, and storage of petroleum products. Additionally, the Bill addresses matters related to the regulation and effective management of the petroleum sector.
She appealed to the Committee to support the proposed legislation, emphasizing that it would strengthen efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in the petroleum industry.
Meanwhile, Committee Chairperson Stephen Kampyongo urged the Ministry to harmonize the roles of the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Regulation Board within the proposed legislation to avoid overlaps in its implementation.
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