Zambia has opened three strategic petroleum storage depots in Mongu, Mansa, and Chipata as part of the government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict on petroleum supply across the country.
The three depots have a combined capacity of 20 million litres. This is in addition to existing storage facilities in Ndola and Mpika.
These facilities are critical to enhancing the country’s fuel reserve system and ensuring a steady supply across all regions.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary, Ephraim Munshifwa, said the government is also actively monitoring supply logistics to ensure the continued availability of all petroleum products, including those with lower stock cover levels.
Global petroleum prices have increased significantly due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted supply chains and heightened uncertainty in the international oil market.
“Government is intensifying efforts to secure alternative sources of petroleum products to diversify supply chains, particularly if the current geopolitical tensions persist,” he said.
As of Thursday, the country’s total available diesel stocks stood at 285 million litres, which, based on an average national daily consumption of five million litres, represents approximately 56 days of cover.
Petrol stocks stand at 40 million litres, equivalent to 23 days of national cover; kerosene stocks are at 65.9 million litres, representing 9.3 days of cover; while Jet A-1 stocks stand at 1.6 million litres, translating into 10 days of cover.
“In the meantime, the ministry wishes to assure the nation that Zambia’s fuel supply remains stable, with adequate stocks to meet national demand,” Mr Munshifwa said.
He cautioned against panic-buying and urged suppliers to refrain from fuel hoarding, noting that such practices are unnecessary and risk creating artificial shortages.
Mr Munshifwa warned that the government will take firm action against any entities found engaging in such conduct.
He added that the ministry will continue to closely monitor global developments and implement appropriate interventions to safeguard Zambia’s energy security and protect consumers.
Prior to the escalation of the conflict, the average price of crude oil on the international market stood at approximately US$78 per barrel. This has since risen to over US$100 per barrel, exerting pressure on domestic fuel pricing structures.
In response, the government has implemented targeted measures aimed at safeguarding national energy security and cushioning consumers from adverse price shocks.
As a result, no upward adjustments were made in March, despite petroleum prices across African markets rising by 30 percent.
An inclusive approach has been adopted to address these challenges, with the government actively engaging key stakeholders across the petroleum value chain—including oil marketing companies, transporters, and regional partners—to ensure coordinated and sustainable solutions.
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