FUEL SHORTAGE TO NORMALISE WITHIN A FORTNIGHT
By ADRIAN MWANZA
THE fuel shortage being experienced in Lusaka and the Copperbelt is as a result of lack of stock piles in the country, says Oil Marketing Companies president Dr Kafula Mubanga. Dr Mubanga said that the country’s stockpiles were not sufficient as compared to the demand of the commodity.
He said that the other reason was that the prices of crude oil on the international market had increased which was very difficult for local transporters. “This problem is emanating from the fact that the fuel pump prices on the global market has skyrocketed which is making it difficult for us OMCs,” he said.
Dr Mubanga said that he was sure that they would have the required stock within a week or two and that the fuel shortage would be a thing of the past. He said he was sure that by then the problem would have been rectified and the country would have required stockpiles of crude oil
Dr Mubanga said that they were hoping the government would come to their aid by ensuring that they put up measures needed to mitigate the scenario. Meanwhile, Energy Minister Peter Kapala said the problem would be rectified as soon as possible. “The issue of fuel would be rectified as soon as possible because we are trying to put up measures that will mitigate the problem,’’ he said.
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