Transporters, Manufacturers Call For Fuel Shortage To Be Resolved

Manufacturing groups and transport unions have called on the government to address Zambia’s chronic fuel shortage, which threatens to hamstring industry across the country. 

The vice president of the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM), Chipego Chileshe, says the situation will affect the transportation of raw materials and finished products around the country. 

She added that if the situation is not resolved soon, it could have adverse effects not only on production but also the distribution and retail sectors as well. 

Economic Analyst Chibamba Kanyama predicts that the fuel shortage will have a particularly pronounced effect on the agriculture industry, delaying Zambia’s economy recovery from Covid-19.

“We should not have an artificial induced disruption such as fuel when we are trying to maximize output at this time, when COVID-19 is destroying the economy,” he said

Separately the Bus and Taxi Owners Association of Zambia (BTOAZ) has called on the government to keep fuel prices low despite the shortage, saying any increase will trigger a hike in transportation fees. 

BTOAZ spokesperson Amiss Daudi has similarly called on the government and oil companies to resolve the fuel crisis quickly.