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… the Energy Regulation Board says it has put in place measures to ensure that there is no disruption in the fuel supply chain following a strike by transporters in Mozambique
By NATION REPORTER
GOVERNMENT is closely monitoring the strike situation in Mozambique which has the potential to impact on the country’s fuel products.
Namukolo Kasumpa, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) public relations manager said the strike in Mozambique was likely to exacerbate the ongoing logistical challenges being experienced by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in transporting petroleum products into the country by road.
Mozambique announced a scheduled strike by Mozambican Federation of Road Transport Association to take place from November, 1 to 7, 2024.
“The Government of the Republic of Zambia is aware of this development and is closely monitoring the situation through the Mission in Mozambique to ascertain and determine the extent of the impact this will have on the importation of petroleum products from the Port of Beira in Mozambique,” Ms Kasumpa said in response to a press query.
She said the ERB was also working with relevant government ministries and agencies to mitigate any fuel supply challenges that might arise going forward and ensure a consistent and reliable fuel supply.
“The ERB is actively monitoring the situation in Mozambique; The ERB is encouraging OMCs to consider using other import routes like the port of Dar es salaam in Tanzania during this period of the strike in Mozambique,” Ms Kasumpa said.
She explained that ERB had engaged OMCs and urged them to use the pre-clearance facility provided for importation of petroleum products by the Zambia Revenue Authority to reduce the time that fuel tankers spent at Chanida border, and that it had also extended driving hours for tankers from the recommended 06:00 to 18:00 hours to 05:00 to 22:00 hours to allow tankers to move faster in the country.
Ms Kasumpa said the energy regulator was working with relevant Government Ministries and agencies as well as OMCs to mitigate any further fuel supply challenges that may arise going forward.
“The ERB wishes to reassure the public that there is sufficient stock to cover the national requirements of petroleum products. As of 5th November 2024, the country has 28.558, 416.80 million litters of diesel and 14, 057, 078.70 million liters of petrol in various depots and retail sites countrywide,” she said.
Meanwhile, ERB has taken Enforcement Action against four licensees for non-compliance with their respective license conditions.
The four are Kawaida Collaborative Limited, Horn Afric Motors Limited, SGC Investments Limited and Vivo Energy Zambia Limited.
