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No Looming Fuel shortage in Zambia: Supply only affected some retail facilities

False

A press statement issued by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) through the Acting Public Relations Manager, Chibulu Musonda, ERB refuted reports circulating on social media, assuring the public that Zambia has sufficient diesel stocks and is addressing logistical challenges affecting petrol imports. The ERB directed Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to prioritize timely petrol deliveries to affected sites. Meanwhile, in collaboration with the Road Traffic and Safety Agency (RTSA), the ERB temporarily extended operating hours for fuel tankers beyond 18:00, easing movement restrictions to expedite deliveries.

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Verified Dec, 24 2024

Claim

On December 23, 2024, social media users on Facebook alleged that Zambia was facing a looming fuel shortage, with some posts asserting the crisis had already impacted the entire country. These claims varied. Some users provided only text-based statements, while others shared live videos purportedly showing specific fuel stations that had run out of stock

iVerify Zambia investigated the claims.

Rating Justification

iVerify Zambia has determined social media claims of a looming fuel shortage to be false. While isolated petrol shortages occurred at some retail stations, there is no evidence of a nationwide fuel crisis.

A press statement issued by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) through the Acting Public Relations Manager, Chibulu Musonda, ERB refuted reports circulating on social media, assuring the public that Zambia has sufficient diesel stocks and is addressing logistical challenges affecting petrol imports.

According to ERB, diesel is imported through both road and pipeline networks, with approximately 2.8 million litres arriving daily via pipeline, ensuring stable stock levels at most retail outlets. However, petrol imports—which rely solely on road transport—faced logistical delays, resulting in temporary shortages at some facilities. As of 23rd December, 2024, out of 616 sites countrywide, 587 were selling diesel while 502 were selling petrol with 20 sites dry on both products.

To address these challenges, the ERB directed Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to prioritize timely petrol deliveries to affected sites. OMCs were also urged to pre-clear imported fuel at border points to reduce delays. Meanwhile, in collaboration with the Road Traffic and Safety Agency (RTSA), the ERB temporarily extended operating hours for fuel tankers beyond 18:00, easing movement restrictions to expedite deliveries.

Therefore, the claim of a “looming fuel shortage” is false. While logistical issues temporarily disrupted supply at some locations, the ERB confirmed these challenges were being effectively managed to ensure nationwide fuel availability. Isolated incidents did not reflect a nationwide shortage.

Evidence and References

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) update on fuel supply situation in the Country

https://www.erb.org.zm/wp-content/uploads/PressStatements/PRESS-STATEMENT-ON-FUEL-SUPPLY-SITUATION-DECEMBER-2024.pdf

https://www.erb.org.zm/newsroom
https://www.erb.org.zm/press-statement-update-on-fuel-supply-situation-in-the-country

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