Cars For The World

Kwacha depreciation may cause fuel price to go up

Time Posted: February 28, 2009 12:38 am

Energy Minister, Kenneth Konga, says the depreciation of the kwacha has negatively affected the importation of crude oil.

Mr. Konga says it has now become expensive to import crude oil because the Kwacha is weak.

The Minister told ZNBC news that government may in future consider revising the price of fuel if the current situation continues for a long time.

He however, said Zambia has enough fuel, which was bought at a low price before the exchange rate went up.

And World Bank Country Manager, Kapil Kapoor, said in a separate interview that the depreciation of the kwacha will benefit exporters.

The Kwacha has depreciated considerably against other major foreign currencies in the last few months.

Government has attributed the depreciation to, among other factors, the pricing of local goods and services in dollars.

Finance Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, said in parliament this week that the transactions have had severe effects on the exchange rate.

He however said government and the Bank of Zambia are taking measures to discourage people from pricing their goods and services in dollars.
/ZNBC/NEWS

22 Comments

  1. vote
    flag Jazzie Jazzie says: Jazzie  Jazzie
    February 28, 2009 at 12:46 am |

    Do not just lament- find solutions.

    Reply
  2. vote
    flag wiseman -reborn says: wiseman -reborn
    February 28, 2009 at 1:06 am |

    In simple English or translation from Political English, the Minister is actually saying Zambians brace yourselves for increase in fuel price in the next few days .Please our leaders give hope not fear or uncertainty

    Reply
  3. vote
    flag Cutey/wifey says: Cutey/wifey
    February 28, 2009 at 1:43 am |

    That is normal occurrency in any given economic situation. Just embrace the situation Zambia.

    Reply
  4. vote
    flag Cutey/wifey says: Cutey/wifey
    February 28, 2009 at 2:05 am |

    The world is in an economic/financial turmoil, why should Zambia be singled out?
    Zambia is not an Island.
    Even Islands have been majorly affected too.

    Reply
  5. vote
    flag Mo taim says: Mo taim
    February 28, 2009 at 2:13 am |

    Too bad

    Reply
  6. vote
    flag Mukanaka says: Mukanaka
    February 28, 2009 at 6:26 am |

    Mwayamba! This government why can’t you provide a solution instead of just say kwacha depriciation will cause fuel to go up.It only in zambia where the government is not providing bailout plan.We want solution

    Reply
  7. vote
    flag Chilipamuzako Mayilo..... says: Chilipamuzako Mayilo.....
    February 28, 2009 at 7:08 am |

    the finance minister had sai,’the depre… was artificial’… that means there will be artificial increments in prices? be helpful to the taxpayers by building a concrete base…

    Reply
  8. vote
    flag Political says: Political
    February 28, 2009 at 7:43 am |

    Ideas in Zambia over the ecomical recession are becoming limited. Thats why we need a united Zambia more than ever with all stake holders being involved as the current situation in USA. Above all our presdo should be in the fore front to convene these meetings. Otherwise, i don`t see the MMD government solving Zambian problems alone. However, our current leaders are to proud to consult and listen besides, our opposition parties are also busy campagning even when its not necessary.

    Reply
  9. vote
    flag kelchi says: kelchi
    February 28, 2009 at 7:51 am |

    What next?

    Reply
  10. vote
    flag Mo taim says: Mo taim
    February 28, 2009 at 8:18 am |

    Efyochibe bane futi.

    Reply
  11. vote
    flag Zayelo says: Zayelo
    February 28, 2009 at 10:04 am |

    Thats how economics works. Yeah we hear you

    Reply
  12. vote
    flag Foxy says: Foxy
    February 28, 2009 at 10:07 am |

    there they go again!

    Reply
  13. vote
    flag Anonymous says: Anonymous
    February 28, 2009 at 10:23 am |

    Ela naifwe tulandepo! Ubwafya ubu ubuteko tabwishibe what to do about this global financial crisis.When other nations are putting in place packages to stimulate and stabilise the economies, this government is busy telling what what is happening in the country because of the global melt down, what about telling us what they are doing to counter the effects. If you ask me, this government is out of sorts with ifyakucita. Nomba kwati naizanda fye pa ZED!

    Reply
    1. vote
      flag Cutey/wifey says: Cutey/wifey
      February 28, 2009 at 3:19 pm |

      The Zambian govt does not know how to PRIORITISE issues. They will think of giving chiefs 4×4(the one chief Mpezeni is cruising with) before thinking of poverty levels in the country.Some developing countries have put in hefty packages, including giving extra family allowances in such crisis. Kanshi katwishi mwee pa zedi..

  14. vote
    flag Manchild says: Manchild
    February 28, 2009 at 10:33 am |

    It also benefits us in the diaspora sending money to our families. Ka $ 250 ninshi ni K1M.

    Reply
  15. vote
    flag ndolic says: ndolic
    February 28, 2009 at 10:40 am |

    These guys will always forewarn us in a way or the other .Let me go and fill up now.Thing is;they use other factors as reason why they are now compelled to do what they will do .In this case bale fwaya ukulunda amafuta

    Reply
  16. vote
    flag ZAMBIAN PRESIDENT says: ZAMBIAN PRESIDENT
    February 28, 2009 at 10:51 am |

    Why is our kwacha steadly depreciating while the dollar steadly remain strong?Is the credit crunch only affecting Zambia?ECONOMISTS please help me to understand this issue.

    Reply
    1. vote
      flag Anonymous says: Anonymous
      February 28, 2009 at 9:04 pm |

      What type of Zambian president are you?
      Dollar is strong against all currencies except British pound. Am not an economists but wondering what type of presido you are indeed.

  17. vote
    flag Ghostdwag says: Ghostdwag
    February 28, 2009 at 1:37 pm |

    I hope we dont slid into the Zim situation which will take centuaries to revive back

    Reply
  18. vote
    flag Ghostdwag says: Ghostdwag
    February 28, 2009 at 1:40 pm |

    ok

    Reply
  19. vote
    flag greenport says: greenport
    February 28, 2009 at 5:23 pm |

    what will go down in Zambia always up

    Reply
  20. vote
    flag Nine Chale says: Nine Chale
    March 1, 2009 at 2:44 pm |

    Idon’t understand what is happening in the world today.

    Reply

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