Hichilema flags fuel hoarding as sabotage, orders crackdown

President Hakainde Hichilema has warned oil marketing companies that suspected fuel hoarding in Zambia will be treated as economic sabotage, signalling a tougher government response to supply disruptions affecting parts of the country.

Speaking amid mounting concern over fuel availability in Zambia, the President said authorities were monitoring supply patterns closely and would not tolerate conduct that undermines the economy or disrupts daily life. His remarks come as motorists and businesses report irregular supply, raising pressure on transport costs and broader prices.

Hichilema said government expected full compliance from players in the petroleum supply chain in Zambia, stressing that fuel distribution must reflect national demand rather than selective withholding. He indicated that enforcement agencies were already engaged in assessing stock levels and movement patterns to establish whether supply challenges were artificial or linked to external constraints.

The President framed the issue as a threat to economic stability, pointing to the role fuel plays in transportation, production, and service delivery. Disruptions in supply, he said, ripple through the economy, affecting household costs and business operations. He added that any deliberate attempt to manipulate supply for gain would attract firm action.

Officials have been examining how fuel is being handled at different stages of the supply chain, including storage and retail distribution. The review is aimed at identifying inconsistencies between imports, stock declarations, and actual availability at service stations. Authorities are also assessing whether logistical factors or market behaviour are contributing to the shortages.

Hichilema said government’s focus remains on ensuring a stable and predictable fuel supply environment. He emphasised that energy security is central to economic planning, particularly as Zambia pushes broader reforms aimed at increasing productivity and stabilising prices.

The warning comes at a time when fuel prices remain a key concern for households and businesses. Transport operators, in particular, are sensitive to supply fluctuations, which often translate into fare adjustments. Any sustained disruption in fuel availability can quickly affect food distribution and other essential services.

Government has also been preparing the public for possible price movements linked to global oil market dynamics and exchange rate pressures. While the President did not directly link the hoarding concerns to price adjustments, his remarks suggest authorities are seeking to maintain control over supply behaviour as broader economic measures take effect.

Energy sector stakeholders have in recent months faced tighter scrutiny as government works to stabilise supply chains. The current focus on OMCs reflects a broader effort to align private sector conduct with national economic priorities.

Hichilema said cooperation between government and industry players remains critical, but warned that enforcement would follow where compliance fails. He urged companies to operate transparently and in line with regulatory expectations, adding that Zambia’s economic direction depends on predictable supply systems.

The situation places renewed attention on how fuel markets are managed, particularly during periods of economic adjustment. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring developments closely, with possible follow-up measures depending on findings from ongoing assessments.