Zambia Raises Diesel and Kerosene Prices as Global Oil Costs Climb
Zambia Fuel Prices May 2026: Diesel, Kerosene and Jet A-1 Increase While Petrol Holds Steady
The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has announced revised petroleum pump prices for May 2026, with increases in diesel, kerosene, and Jet A-1, while petrol prices remain unchanged.
The adjustment follows the regulator’s monthly review, which recorded a continued rise in international oil prices driven largely by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
During the review period, global petrol prices increased by 5.77%, from $114.51 to $120.28 per barrel.
Diesel prices saw a sharper rise of 23.11%, climbing from $162.61 to $200.19 per barrel. Kerosene and Jet A-1 also increased by 17.75%, reaching around $200 per barrel.
Despite these global increases, the Zambian Kwacha showed modest appreciation against the U.S. dollar, strengthening by 1.44% from K19.44 to K19.16.
This helped partially offset the impact of higher international prices on domestic fuel costs.
New Pump Prices
Following the review, the ERB set the new pump prices as follows:
- Diesel: K33.99 per litre
- Kerosene: K35.05 per litre
- Jet A-1: K37.98 per litre
Petrol remains unchanged at K27.15 per litre. The ERB explained that movements in petrol wholesale prices fell within the 2.5% trigger band, meaning no adjustment was required.
The new prices take effect at midnight on April 30, 2026, and will remain in place until the next scheduled review.
The ERB has also advised stakeholders that detailed price breakdowns for both wholesale and pump prices are available on its official website.
