The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) wishes to assure members of the public that there are adequate fuel stocks in Southern Province contrary to some media reports of an apparent fuel shortage in Livingstone.
The ERB undertakes routine fuel stocks monitoring countrywide, working in collaboration with TAZAMA, INDENI and Oil Marketing Companies to ensure a reliable and continuous fuel supply chain.
As of June 4, 2024, the country had 83,068,101.97 liters of diesel and 32,131,315.54 liters of petrol in various depots and retail sites countrywide, which are adequate fuel stocks to cover the national requirements of petroleum products.
Further, the ERB conducted a snap survey to determine the fuel status in the tourist capital. The survey results conducted today, 5th June,2024 shows that all nine (9) filling stations servicing Livingstone have petrol with only four (4) having stocked out on diesel at the time of the inspection. Thus, the Livingstone residents can easily access fuel at the 5 filling stations within their locality who are well stocked with both diesel and petrol.
The observed pockets of diesel shortage at these four (4) filling stations have been attributed to logistical challenges on the part of the respective Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and the dealers who are running these retail sites. The ERB has directed the OMCs to resolve their challenges to avoid inconveniencing the general public.
However, the ERB will continue to carry out random surveillance inspections of filling stations in the country to ensure that any challenges are addressed timely, and that Oil Marketing Companies have sufficient petroleum stocks at all their retail outlets countrywide.
Members of the public are encouraged to engage the ERB on the current supply situation through the ERB offices in Livingstone, Lusaka, Kitwe and Kasama or through the ERB Toll Free Line number 8484 and Chatbot Line 0977791087.
Namukolo Kasumpa (Mrs.)
MANAGER – PUBLIC RELATIONS