The Oil Marketing Companies Association of Zambia, led by President Dr. Kafula Mubanga, is pushing for a new policy statement that would criminalize fuel shortages following price increases. The proposed policy would give the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) the power to penalize any oil marketing company that runs out of fuel shortly after a price hike. This move aims to ensure that consumers are not left without access to fuel during critical times and to hold companies accountable for their actions.
According to Dr. Mubanga, some oil marketing organizations have been known to withhold products in anticipation of a potential fuel price hike, in order to profit from the situation. The proposed policy would aim to prevent such practices and ensure that consumers have access to fuel at fair prices.
Dr. Mubanga, a representative of OMCS, has called for a policy statement criminalizing fuel shortages that occur after price increases. In an interview, Dr. Mubanga emphasized the importance of the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) implementing a strong regulatory framework to prevent fuel scarcity during price reviews. This would help bridge the gap created by unscrupulous enterprises seeking to take advantage of price increases.
This comes after reports of some service outlets in Lusaka, Zambia running out of fuel just two days before the monthly fuel review by the Energy Regulation Board. This is not the first time such shortages have been observed in the area.
