Politics
Expert Says Monthly Fuel Price Changes Hurt Planning
Energy expert JOHNSTON CHIKWANDA has backed President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’s call for a...
By Alice Lubasi
Energy expert JOHNSTON CHIKWANDA has backed President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’s call for a review of the monthly fuel pricing system, saying frequent price changes make it difficult for households and businesses to plan.
Dr. CHIKWANDA says the current system does not appear to be working well for Zambia, despite having been introduced following consultations with industry players.
He says the Government should consider reviewing fuel prices over longer periods rather than every month, drawing lessons from other countries to establish a system that best suits Zambia’s needs.
Speaking in an interview with ZNBC News, Dr. CHIKWANDA said frequent changes in fuel prices affect both households and businesses, regardless of whether prices increase or decrease.
Lakatips
The morning briefing
Zambia’s news, before your first meeting
One email each morning with the headlines that matter, from every newsroom we follow. Free, and one click to stop.
Dr .CHIKWANDA, who was commenting on President HICHILEMA’s address to Parliament, also supported the Government’s decision to restore excise duty on fuel.
He said the suspension of excise duty and the removal of Value Added Tax –VAT- on fuel resulted in revenue losses between April and September this year.
Dr. CHIKWANDA said the revenue could have been used to provide public services, pay salaries, support Constituency Development Fund projects and finance other Government programmes.
He said restoring excise duty was necessary because the Government could not continue losing substantial revenue through tax waivers.
However, Dr. CHIKWANDA said consumers were still receiving some relief because VAT on fuel remained suspended until December.
He said the continued suspension of VAT would result in the Government foregoing a further 120 million US dollars in revenue during that period.
Source: Zambia24 — Read more
More to read
All Politics →
‘No one should be unlawfully detained,’ Amnesty calls for lawyer access to Jay Jay Banda
Amnesty International Africa has urged Zambian authorities to facilitate a medical examination and access to a lawyer for former Petauke Member of Parliament Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda following his arrest and transfer to Zambia. Zambian authorities have confirmed that Banda, a former MP and government…
Bemba Royal establishment raises the alarm over alleged attempt to desecrate Kafwaya’s grave
The Bemba Royal Establishment has alleged that heavily armed people travelling in six vehicles were reportedly using threats and coercion to force villagers in Lisunga territory to show them the grave of the late Cabinet minister, Mutotwe Kafwaya. The Establishment said Bemba customary governance required…
U.s. Tightens Visa Rules for Zambians
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation says some Zambians are restricted from entering the United States under new travel measures that took effect on January 1, 2026. The restrictions affect people applying for immigrant visas and certain non-immigrant visas, including those for business…