ERB issues directives

By Masauso Mkwayaya

The Energy Regulation Board –ERB- has directed Petroleum Products Transporters licensed by the Board to only transport petroleum products for the local market.

ERB also says Transporters licensed by the regulator shall now obtain written approval from the Board before transporting petroleum products outside the Country.

ERB Director General ELIJAH SICHONE says the conditions warranting the written approval of the ERB shall be issued by Friday January 24, 2025.

Mr. SICHONE says Oil Marketing Companies -OMCs- and Petroleum Products Transporters shall also submit monthly transport returns as determined by the ERB.

He says the returns must have details of compliance to the Citizens Economic Empowerment – Transportation of Heavy and Bulk Commodities by Road – Regulations, S.l. Number. 35 of 2021.

Mr. SICHONE says ERB has further prohibited OMCs and Petroleum Products Transporters from engaging third parties to undertake business activities related to the petroleum sector which the third party is not licensed to undertake.

He has also advised OMCs to engage local Petroleum Products Transporters on commercially viable terms on rates regarding the transportation of petroleum products.

Mr. SICHONE says where OMCs and Petroleum Products Transporters fail to agree on the transport rates, the ERB shall determine the transport rate to be used.

He says the measures are meant to address the logistical challenges surrounding the supply of petroleum products into the Country.

This is according to a statement issued to ZNBC News by Mr. SICHONE.