By ALICE NACHILEMBE
The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has dismissed rumors of a looming fuel shortage in Zambia, but the reality on the ground tells a different story, especially in Chingola.
For the past few months, the district has been experiencing a fuel freeze, with filling stations rotating fuel availability, causing queues to form at different stations daily.
This has raised suspicions that the issue might be artificially created by filling station owners.
However, ERB Acting Public Relations Manager Chibulu Musonda assures that the country has sufficient diesel stocks and is working to address logistical challenges affecting petrol imports.
To mitigate the issue, ERB has directed Oil Marketing Companies to ensure timely delivery of petroleum products, particularly petrol, and to pre-clear imported products to avoid delays at border points.
Additionally, ERB has temporarily relaxed movement restrictions for Petroleum Road Tank Vehicles and extended operating hours beyond 18:00 hours.
