Lusaka, Zambia – 30th April 2025
In a move that will bring relief to motorists and businesses, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has announced substantial reductions in fuel prices effective from midnight tonight. The price cuts come as a result of falling global oil prices and a slight strengthening of the Zambian Kwacha.
Major Price Reductions Across All Fuel Types
The ERB’s latest review shows significant decreases across all petroleum products:
- Petrol: Drops by K2.84 (8.12%) from K34.98 to K32.14 per litre
- Diesel: Falls by K2.85 (9.43%) from K30.23 to K27.38 per litre
- Kerosene: Reduced by K2.68 (9.07%) from K29.56 to K26.88 per litre
- Jet A-1 (Aviation Fuel): Decreases by K3.07 (9.44%) from K32.51 to K29.44 per litre
This marks the second consecutive month of fuel price reductions, providing much-needed economic relief amid rising living costs.
What’s Driving the Price Cuts?
The ERB cited two key factors behind the reductions:
- Global Oil Price Decline:
- Petrol prices on international markets fell by 3.81% (from US76.38toUS76.38toUS73.47 per barrel)
- Diesel dropped 4.37% (US83.44toUS83.44toUS79.79 per barrel)
- Kerosene/Jet A-1 decreased by 4.28% (US82.53toUS82.53toUS79.00 per barrel)
- Kwacha Performance:
The local currency appreciated marginally by 0.06% against the US Dollar, trading at K28.25 compared to K28.27 in March.
Impact on Aviation Sector
Airlines will also benefit from reduced fuel costs at Zambia’s major airports:
Airport | Jet A-1 Price (K/litre) |
KKIA (Lusaka) | 29.44 |
Mfuwe | 32.68 |
Livingstone | 30.25 |
Ndola | 29.44 |
Public Reaction
Transport operators and consumer groups have welcomed the news. “This reduction will help us lower fares and transport costs for goods,” said Lazarus Banda, spokesperson for the Zambian Transport Operators Association.
Economists suggest the price cuts could help moderate inflation, which has been pressured by high fuel costs in recent months.
How Long Will Prices Last?
The new prices take effect at midnight on 30th April and will remain until the ERB’s next monthly review.