The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has reassured the Nation that it is actively engaging Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) on the fuel shortages in some parts of the country.
ERB Acting Manager Public Relations, Chibulu Musonda, says OMCs have continued to experience logistical challenges in the importation of fuel that has led to some shortages at filing stations.
Mr. Musonda said that the introduction of refundable transit taxes in Zimbabwe of $25,000 per truck has resulted in transporters opting to use alternative routes through Chanida and Nakonde border points, leading to extended transit times of the commodity which is largely imported through road.
“Additionally, some OMCs have cited delays in bringing in petroleum products via the ports of Beira and Dar-es-Salaam due to increased congestion at the loading ports,” said Mr. Musonda in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
He said that in order to mitigate the effects of the challenges associated with the importation of petrol, the Board is actively engaging the OMCs and government agencies such as the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), to ensure implementation of measures aimed at timely delivery of petroleum products.
Mr. Musonda has therefore urged consumers to desist from panic buying, saying that the country has sufficient stocks to meet daily requirements.
Angel Kasabo
