Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga says the escalating prices of cooking oil can only be halted when the country becomes self sufficient in production of crops used in manufacturing the product.
Mr. Mulenga says Zambia should grow a lot of cotton seed, soya beans and sunflower which are some of the raw materials used in manufacturing cooking oil.
He notes that Zambia has vast land which should be exploited to grow the crops.
He says currently, Russia and Ukraine, the major producers of crops used in the manufacturing of edible oils are at war thereby affecting global supply resulting in escalating prices.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mulenga said the several court cases that ZCCM Investment Holdings is pursuing against major mining companies has stifled investments into the sector.
He said this is why the government wants the matters resolved outside court to unlock investments which will lead to reinvestments and job creation for citizens.
Action!! We are tired of listening to what you can do to reduce the escalating prices of commodities.
Stop bkaming Ukraine and Russia ba mwankole imwe. Work!!!!
Aba bambuli don’t they know we have sunflower and ground nuts in the country. What makes the product (cooking oil) is the high cost of cultivation and production. Address these two and then cost may come down.
This was one of the very first promises made by HH upon his election victory. And he has clearly FAILED!