By KETRA KALUNGA
THE Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has engaged Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to ensure a steady supply of fuel in Nakonde.
This follows the influx of Tanzanians crossing over to Zambia in search of fuel which is cheaper compared to other countries in the region.
ERB Communication Officer, Mwila Kombe, said the energy regulator was also monitoring the situation on a regular basis to ensure that the district has enough fuel.
Ms Mwila assured that the country has adequate fuel stocks despite the high demand for Zambian fuel from motorists in the neighbouring countries.
“The oil marketing companies operating retail sites in Nakonde and Muchinga Province as a whole are aware of this development and have been engaged to ensure that there is adequate supply of fuel,” she said.
She was responding to a query on the scarcity of fuel supply following reports that motorists and other consumers from foreign countries such as Tanzanians are buying fuel in bulk from Nakonde on account of it being comparatively cheaper in the region.
Meanwhile, the ERB says the recent fire involving fuel tankers in Lusaka’s light industrial area was caused by the illegal discharge of fuel contrary to claims of a mechanical fault as alleged by the drivers.
Ms Mwila said the incident occurred during the illegal decanting of fuel between the petroleum tankers belonging to Hamington Global Logistics Limited and Mpanshya Oil Transporters Limited.
She said investigations also revealed that the probable source of the fire was a spark from one of the two generators that were found at the accident scene with two hose pipes connecting the two vehicles belonging to the two fuel transporting companies.
Ms Mwila said ERB would engage the two firms to show cause as to why enforcement action should not be taken against them for various breaches of licence conditions.
