THE Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has announced an upward revision of petroleum pump prices for October 2026 following higher international oil prices, depreciation of the Kwacha and the reinstatement of excise duty. In a statement issued Wednesday, the ERB said petrol will increase to K31.46 per litre from K25.29, diesel to K33.27 from K26.86, kerosene

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THE Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has announced an upward revision of petroleum pump prices for October 2026 following higher international oil prices, depreciation of the Kwacha and the reinstatement of excise duty.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the ERB said petrol will increase to K31.46 per litre from K25.29, diesel to K33.27 from K26.86, kerosene to K29.76 from K27.02, and Jet A-1 to K31.85 from K28.71.

The Board said during the review period sustained geopolitical tensions in the Middle East placed upward pressure on international petroleum prices. The average price of petrol increased from US$104.94 per barrel to US$121.58 per barrel, diesel from US$150.92 to US$160.88, and kerosene/Jet A-1 from US$125.30 to US$144.00.

During the same period, the Zambian Kwacha depreciated against the U.S. dollar from K19.28 to K19.76.

The ERB said its price-smoothing measures, together with the Government’s suspension of excise duty and zero-rating of Value-Added Tax from April to September 2026, moderated the impact on domestic prices and kept Zambia’s fuel prices among the lowest in the SADC and COMESA regions.

Following the expiry of the tax-relief period in September, the Government has resolved to reinstate excise duty with effect from October 2026, while VAT will be reinstated on Dec. 1, 2026.

“Consequently, the combined effect of higher international petroleum prices, depreciation of the exchange rate and the reinstatement of excise duty has necessitated an upward adjustment in domestic petroleum prices,” the Board said, adding that the determination was necessary to safeguard security of supply.

The revised prices come into effect at midnight on Sept. 30, 2026, and will remain in force until the next scheduled price review.

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