By OLIVER SAMBOKO
FUEL tankers that were marooned at various crossing points following the expiry of SIs 5 and 77 on fuel import waiver, have finally started rolling in after Government through ZRA extended the two instruments.
OIL Marketing Companies Association of Zambia president Dr Kafula Mubanga who confirmed the development said all issues have been resolved and that the fuel tankers have started entering the country.
Dr Mubanga said the fuel tankers have since started landing meaning there will be no fuel shortage in the country.
“Yes, I can confirm that Government has responded positively and as an association, we appreciate the effort by the Minister of Energy to have the issue addressed through ZRA to avert a fuel shortage in the country.
He explained that following expiry of tax waiver on fuel import, Oil Marketing Companies were left without any option but to put their fuel procurement orders on hold, awaiting government policy direction on import waivers.
Dr Mubanga also said the association is happy that government has found a permanent measure that will lead to stable fuel supply and enhance service delivery in the supply of fuel.
On Friday, ZRA reconfigured its customs systems to continue granting tax waivers to importers of fuel products while awaiting measures to be put in place to create an enabling environment.
ZRA has encouraged all oil marketing companies to work with the Zambia Revenue Authority officers to ensure that all hurdles are addressed so that there was no disruption in the fuel chain supply.
