Government has announced that Indeni petroleum refinery in Ndola on the Copper-belt Province will be shut for 21-days effective from tonight.
Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development Permanent Secretary (PS), George Zulu, says the shut-down effective mid-night October 7th to 28th October is to facilitate routine maintenance repairs.
Mr Zulu assured that nation that as of October 7 (today) there is sufficient stocks to enable Indeni management proceed with the shut-down period without compromising fuel supply.
Mr Zulu explained that the shut-down was planned for 1st October but was postponed for one week to enable adequate stock-piling of fuels.
Mr Zulu said in a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today that his ministry will continue to import finished products in form of petrol and diesel during the three-week shut-down period.
The PS stated that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) started supplying jet while other aviation fuels also started beefing up stocks in August, this year, adding that despite the increase in plane traffic and demand for aviation fuels, the aviation fuel will continue to be available in sufficient quantities.
He appealed to the local fuel bulky suppliers and retailers to ensure that all measures are being taken into consideration to avoid disruption in supply.
He warned that government will not take kindly to any entity that neglects to do its part in ensuring that fuel supply continues to be smooth in the whole country.
“As has been in the past l appeal to all fuel bulky suppliers, retailers and consumers to conduct their businesses without any anxiety at all. For any clarifications, I and the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) are there to respond to such if any,” the PS said.
ZANIS
