Hichilema orders crackdown on fuel supply manipulation

President Hakainde Hichilema has ordered a nationwide investigation into fuel shortages, warning that deliberate interference in the supply chain will be treated as economic sabotage, as disruptions begin to affect transport, business operations and daily life. Hichilema’s administration is committed to ensuring a stable fuel supply.

The directive places regulatory agencies under pressure to examine the movement, storage and distribution of fuel across the country, following reports that shortages may not be linked to supply constraints but to actions within the chain itself.

The development comes as diesel shortages begin to hit Lusaka, with filling stations running out of stock and transport operators reporting delays and disruptions. Public transport services have been affected, while motorists in several areas have been forced to search for fuel across multiple stations.

The measures taken by Hichilema reflect a strong stance against economic manipulation.

Government has indicated that entities found hoarding or manipulating supply risk losing their licences, marking a shift from monitoring to enforcement. The warning signals a harder stance on operators whose actions may be contributing to artificial scarcity.

The shortage has triggered concern over how fuel is being handled after entering the country, with attention now focused on storage points, distribution systems and the role of oil marketing companies. Authorities are expected to track volumes from importation to retail to determine where breakdowns or irregularities are occurring.

At the same time, stakeholders in the logistics sector have proposed alternative sourcing strategies to stabilise supply. The Zambia Freight and Forwarders Association has urged government to consider importing fuel from Angola, arguing that proximity and lower costs could reduce pressure on the system.

The association says reliance on distant suppliers increases both logistical strain and pricing challenges, particularly in a global environment affected by geopolitical tensions. It argues that regional sourcing could offer a more stable and cost-effective solution if properly structured.

The shortages have also exposed the vulnerability of urban supply systems, where demand is concentrated and disruptions quickly translate into long queues and operational delays. Transport operators, especially those relying on diesel, have reported immediate impacts on schedules and costs.

Authorities are expected to work with regulatory bodies to verify stock levels held by oil marketing companies and determine whether supply gaps are linked to genuine constraints or deliberate withholding. The outcome of the investigation will likely shape further action, including possible sanctions.

The situation has drawn attention to the broader role of fuel in economic activity, particularly in sectors such as transport, mining and agriculture, where supply interruptions can ripple across production and distribution chains. Any prolonged shortage risks pushing up costs and affecting market stability.

Government’s position indicates that the focus will remain on accountability within the supply chain, with enforcement measures expected where irregularities are confirmed. The probe is also likely to test regulatory capacity to monitor and respond to disruptions in critical commodities.

The immediate priority remains restoring normal supply while identifying the source of the disruption. The outcome will determine whether the shortages were the result of systemic weaknesses or deliberate actions within the sector.