The Ministry of Energy has announced the successful docking of the first shipment of diesel under the open access system, carrying 35,000 metric tons, at the Port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today, Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Peter Mumba, described this milestone as a testament to the active participation of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in the new system.
Mr. Mumba emphasized that this development aligns with government’s vision of fostering a competitive, private-sector-driven fuel market.
Mr. Mumba highlighted that the arrival of the shipment confirms the effective implementation of the open access system, with increased participation anticipated in the coming months.
“A direct benefit of the open access has already been realized, as seen in the recent reduction of diesel pump prices announced by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB),” said Mr. Mumba.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mumba refuted claims that the TAZAMA tank farms in Tanzania are at full capacity and unable to accommodate open access shipments.
He assured the public that the TAZAMA pipeline and its associated storage facilities in Tanzania have sufficient capacity to handle fuel shipments.
By Christabel Kamunu
