Thursday 19th March 2026 Press Statement on Government strengthens measures to mitigate impact of Middle- East conflict on petroleum

By Prof. Ephraim Munshifwa, Permanent Secretary – Energy (PS-E) Ministry Of Energy (MoE)

THE global petroleum prices have significantly increased following ongoing geo-political conflicts in the Middle East, which have disrupted supply chains and heightened uncertainty on the international oil market.
Prior to the escalation of the conflict, the average price of crude oil on the international market stood at approximately US$78 per barrel. This has since risen to about US$94 per barrel, exerting pressure on domestic fuel pricing structures.
In response, Government has implemented targeted measures aimed at safeguarding national energy security and cushioning consumers from adverse price shocks. This is why in the month of March, no upward adjustments were made, despite petroleum prices across African markets by 30%. An inclusive approach has been adopted in addressing these challenges, with Government actively engaging key stakeholders across the petroleum value chain, including Oil Marketing Companies, transporters, and regional partners, to ensure coordinated and sustainable solutions.
Among these measures is the successful revamping of three strategic petroleum storage depots in Mongu District (Western Province), Mansa District (Luapula Province) and Chipata District (Eastern Province), with a combined capacity of 20 million litres. This is in addition to the current storage in Ndola and Mpika. These facilities are critical in further enhancing the country’s fuel reserve system and ensuring steady supply across all regions.

Government is also intensifying efforts to secure alternative sources of petroleum products to diversify supply chains, particularly should the current geopolitical tensions persist.
In the meantime, the Ministry wishes to assure the nation that Zambia’s fuel supply remains stable, with adequate stocks to meet national demand.
As of today, 19th March 2026, total available diesel stocks, a combining inland reserves and stocks in transit through Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) stand at 285 million litres. Based on an average national daily consumption of 5 million litres, this represents approximately 56 days of cover.

Petrol stocks currently stand at 40 million litres, equivalent to 23 days of national cover.
Kerosene stocks stand at 65.9 million litres, representing 9.3 days of cover, while Jet A-1 stocks stand at 1,6million litres, translating into 10.0 days of cover.
Government is actively monitoring supply logistics to ensure continued availability of all petroleum products, including those with lower stock cover levels.
The Ministry therefore strongly cautions against panic buying by the public and urges industry players to refrain from fuel hoarding as such practices are unnecessary and risk creating artificial shortages. Government will take firm action against any entities found engaging in such conduct.
The Ministry of Energy will continue to closely monitor global developments and implement appropriate interventions to safeguard Zambia’s energy security and protect consumers. Republic of Zambia Ministry of Energy ((GRZ- MoE)

Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary-Energy, Prof Ephrahim Munshifwa giving an update on the petroleum sub-sector amid the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
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