President Hichilema Warns Against Fuel Hoarding Amid Global Energy Crisis
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema Condemns Fuel Hoarding, Calls for Supply Chain Stability
President Hakainde Hichilema has issued a stern warning to oil marketing companies against hoarding fuel and creating artificial shortages, describing such practices as sabotage against the Zambian people.
Speaking at a high-level meeting with petroleum industry stakeholders in Lusaka, convened to discuss the impact of the escalating Middle East conflict on global energy markets, President Hichilema questioned why filling stations continue to run dry despite Zambia holding between 30 and 60 days of fuel reserves.
“Our clear priority is to minimize the impact of the conflict on our people,” President Hichilema said. “We cannot accept a situation where fuel is available but withheld in anticipation of higher prices. That is sabotage and imposes an unnecessary burden on ordinary citizens.”
The President emphasized that the government is taking decisive measures to address distortions in the fuel supply chain.
Key initiatives include a planned fuel pipeline project aimed at reducing transportation costs and ensuring long-term supply stability.
He also called for increased private sector participation in major infrastructure projects and urged Zambia to leverage its strategic location not as a landlocked country, but as a land-linked nation, using regional corridors such as the Lobito Corridor and Walvis Bay.
President Hichilema further encouraged industry stakeholders to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than litigation, warning that prolonged court battles have historically slowed progress in both the mining and energy sectors.
To strengthen communication and responsiveness, the government announced plans to establish real-time engagement platforms between industry players and officials to address challenges as they arise, with further updates expected in due course.
