ERB assures nation of enough fuel stock

ZAMBIA has enough fuel stock should there be a disturbance in supply, accelerated by cases of the third wave of Covid-19 within the region, says Energy Regulation Board (ERB ) Director General Langiwe Lungu Ms. Lungu has advised the general public not to panic as the country has enough fuel in stock, following the stabilising of prices after waiving the valued added tax and excise duty on petroleum products. Ms Lungu made the assurance when her new Board members paid a courtesy call on Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe at his office in Ndola. “Government has also allowed almost all oil marketing companies which applied for permits to import fuel which has also helped in having enough fuel in the country,” she said. She added that there is an act that regulates the companies importing fuel not to discriminate the pricing of fuel on their own accounts but follow the right procedures. And Mr Nundwe has asked the ERB to address the illegal fuel vending along highways and some streets on the Copperbelt. Mr. Nundwe said the vending of fuel is a potential risk to the petroleum subsector which should not be allowed to continue. He noted that it is government’s desire to see that the players in the energy sector are level-headed and ensure that illegal fuel vending is curtailed. In response, Ms. Lungu said ERB is carrying out highway and street raids to curb the illegal selling of fuel in the streets. She added that the fuel marking programme is also helping in reducing dumping and illegal fuel that is being found in the market. Ms Lungu said the only minimal challenges that may distract the fuel tankers to reach their destination on time are Covid-19 restrictions when crossing the borders. The ERB Board is in the province for a two-day visit to check on energy infrastructure and how the companies that the board regulates are performing. – ZANIS.