Wed, 09 Aug 2017 13:25:26 +0000
By Annie Zulu
THE reduction of fuel pump prices is a manifestation of President Edgar Lungu’s Government’s concerted efforts to revamp the economy through austerity measures as enshrined in the 2017 national budget, Zambia Jubilee Coalition Muchinga Province coordinator Francis Kapyanga has said.
And Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) executive secretary Juba Sakala has called on dealers to quickly adjust the prices so that the consumer could benefit from the reduction.
Mr Sakala indicated that there was need for all Zambians to benefit from the fuel pump price reduction.
He said it was inevitable that other players in transport and goods provision sectors be compelled by the reduction to accordingly effect price reductions for their goods and services.
“Zambians must benefit from this fuel pump price reduction, so business people should not be seen to be elusive on this matter, just as they adjust prices when there is an increase in fuel pump prices, they should likewise pass on the benefits to the consumers through price reductions.
“We also urge the public transporters to also adjust bus fares downwards,” Mr Sakala said.
Meanwhile, Mr Kapyanga said the reduction had come about due to the stable and steady appreciation of the Kwacha against major foreign currencies.
He said the reduction was a sign that Government’s economic policies were coming to fruition.
“We applaud the Government for this positive development, the reduction has been made possible due to the good economic policies pursued by the PF Government which have resulted in the appreciation of the local currency, the Kwacha,” Mr Kapyanga said.
He noted that fuel pump prices had an effect on the cost of living, as fuel drives the prosperity of the economy for any nation and should therefore be readily available and at affordable prices.
He urged Zambians to support the government in its efforts to making Zambia a prosperous nation.
However, UPND spokes person Charles Kakoma says the fuel price reduction was too small and urged the ERB to do more.
