Oil Marketing Companies Association of Zambia (OMCAZ) has cautioned that Zambia could experience erratic fuel supply in certain periods in 2026, citing heightened uncertainty in the petroleum sector ahead of next year’s general elections.
Speaking in an interview with Money News, OMCAZ President Dr. Kafula Mubanga said the election year is already influencing investor behaviour in the fuel industry.
“2026 being an election year comes with a lot of uncertainties, and we are already seeing some investors withdrawing from the sector,” Dr. Mubanga said.
He explained that the withdrawal of investors leads to a reduction in the number of fuel suppliers, a development that can disrupt consistent fuel availability.
“When the number of players in the market reduces, it automatically affects supply, and that is what can result in erratic fuel supply at certain times,” he stated.
Dr. Mubanga emphasized that government intervention will be critical to cushion the sector from challenges arising from the anticipated shift in investment.
“Government needs to be very deliberate in how it intervenes to cushion the challenges that may emerge from these uncertainties,” Dr. Mubanga added.
He further called on authorities to introduce measures that will encourage and retain private sector participation in the fuel supply chain.
Dr. Mubanga, however, expressed optimism that the situation would stabilize after the elections.
“Once elections are done, that is when things are likely to revert back to normal as confidence in the market improves,” he said.
