Energy Regulation Board (ERB) says the disruption of fuel supply in some parts of the country has been caused by an industrial action by an organization purportedly representing truck drivers.
Responding to a press query sent by Money FM News, ERB Public Relations Manager Kwali Mfuni said due to the strike action which affected some tanker drivers, some parts of the country experienced fuel disruption because deliveries could not be made as scheduled.
Ms. Mfuni stated that from preliminary findings, it has come to ERB’s attention that some tankers carrying imported fuel were unable to cross the borders into Zambia, while other tankers were parked for safety reasons.
“The Energy Regulation Board regrets the disruption in the supply of fuel that has been reported in some parts of the country. The disruption of fuel supply in some parts of the country has been caused by an industrial action by an organization purportedly representing truck drivers.”
“The strike action at the weekend has been widely reported by the media,” Ms. Mfuni said.
She disclosed that measures have however been put in place to provide security escorts for petroleum tankers so as to ensure safe delivery of fuel to various parts of the country.
Ms. Mfuni reassured citizens that the country still has enough stocks of petroleum products, further appealing to stakeholders to allow for restoration of normal supply of the commodity as soon as possible.
“Members of the public are also advised to buy fuel as they normally do to avoid further speculative stress on the petroleum supply chain. In addition, motorists and other consumers are encourage to report any fuel hoarding to any of the ERB officers in Lusaka, Kitwe, Livingstone and Chinsali,” she added.
Earlier, some motorists in Ndola disclosed that fuel shortage is looming in the area; forcing them to queue up for the commodity at selected fuel service stations.
One of the motorists David Nyakaula attributed the looming gas shortage to an illegal strike that was staged by some truck drivers on Monday demanding improved conditions of service, among them salary increments.
Mr. Nyakaula said motorists have been spending longer hours queuing up for the commodity as there is only one filling station which has fuel in the town.