Govt Defends Fuel Open Access Policy
Government says it has no role in determining how suppliers arrive at their oil prices each month.
Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary Technical Services, Peter Mumba says under the Open Access policy, pricing decisions are solely driven by market forces.
Mr Mumba says the Ministry of Energy’s primary role is to ensure that the market remains fair, transparent, and accessible to all qualified players.
He says says the Open Access regime, which allows multiple Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to utilize the TAZAMA pipeline, has led to significant reductions in premiums quoted by suppliers for diesel on the pipeline.
Mr Mumba told ZNBC News that the Open Access system was designed specifically to eliminate monopolistic tendencies and ensure fair participation for all OMCs.
He said any company meeting the set criteria is free to import fuel through the TAZAMA pipeline, and all processes are conducted in a transparent and competitive manner.
Mr Mumba said the Ministry of Energy will continue working with relevant oversight institutions to ensure that integrity remains at the core of Zambia’s petroleum sector.
