Government Blames Transporters For Fuel Crisis

Energy Minister Mathew Nkhuwa has said that fuel transporters are to blame for the current fuel shortage in the country, with their prices steering fuel importers away from their service.

The statement comes days after tanker drivers protested to demand for the actualisation of the 50% volume allocation policy, promised by Mr Nkhuwa. Drivers claim that they are not being prioritised in loading fuel in Mozambique and Tanzania, compared to their Zimbabwean counterparts.

Mr Nkhuwa responded to the protest by blaming the fuel transporters’ prices for their lack of trade. He commented that the prices stated by the transporters to move the fuel into the country were causing the government some worry.

Liaisons between Mr Nkhuwa and the Fuel Transporters Association of Zambia are currently being held to try and reduce prices. 

“I think people need to know that I have been supporting these fuel transporters and what they are doing is not right. As Government, we are not against them. I have fought for the 50 percent to ensure that they are involved in fuel transportation,” he said.

In spite of comments made by Mr Nkhuwa, the Transportation Association of Zambia national spokesperson Benson Tembo has said that the fuel transporters are not the reason behind the shortage, implying that it is the fault of the government for not sticking to their original promise.

The Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI) have subsequently called on the government to create a system that will be ready for incidences involving fuel shortages. CLRI director Paul Hakoola said that adequate back up should already be in place.

“The Institute recognises that petroleum is a fundamental pillar that drives the economy and there has to be a proper back up support systems that can ensure that economy and end users are protected from sudden disruption in the distribution chain of petroleum products,” he said.