By Arnold Tutu
The Government has apologised to motorists, businesses and the general public for the inconvenience caused by recent diesel shortages experienced in some parts of the country.
In a statement issued to ZNBC News today, Energy Minister MAKOZO CHIKOTE attributed the shortages to logistical challenges at the Ndola Fuel Terminal, which temporarily slowed the loading and distribution of fuel to depots and service stations.
Mr. CHIKOTE said the operational constraints resulted in sporadic shortages in certain areas.
He said despite the disruption, the country continues to hold sufficient fuel reserves to meet national demand.
According to the Energy Minister, as of 6 February 2026, national diesel stocks stood at more than 113 million litres stored at the Ndola Fuel Depot, while petrol stocks amounted to over 32 million litres held across depots and retail sites nationwide.
Mr. CHIKOTE said these volumes exceed the national minimum daily operating requirements of 5.4 million litres of diesel and 1.7 million litres of petrol, providing confidence in the continued availability of fuel on the market.
He also disclosed that in the past 48 hours, oil marketing companies have uplifted 7.4 million litres of diesel from the Ndola Fuel Terminal.
Mr. CHIKOTE said the fuel is currently being distributed across the country to replenish service stations and supply critical facilities as part of efforts to restore normal supply levels.
He added that to prevent similar disruptions in future, the Government has introduced measures including the prioritisation of fuel loading at the terminal, improved scheduling of delivery trucks and closer coordination among key players in the petroleum supply chain.
The Energy Minister said the Government remains committed to ensuring a stable, reliable and efficient supply of petroleum products across the country.
