Energy Expert, Bornface Zulu says the recent adjustment in fuel pump prices must be understood within its proper context of global market instability.

Mr Zulu noted that for several months, the government deliberately absorbed substantial revenue losses by suspending excise duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel in order to protect citizens from rising global oil prices and exchange rate pressures.

Mr Zulu observed that had the intervention not been implemented, Zambians would have been paying significantly higher fuel prices much earlier.

Mr Zulu further explained that the policy was not an accident nor a short-sighted decision, but a strategic measure designed to shield households, businesses, farmers, transport operators and industries.

He also observed that while the increase in fuel prices will place pressure on the cost of living, the government delayed and reduced that burden for several months.

Mr Zulu pointed out that many countries passed the full impact of global fuel price increases directly to consumers, while Zambia chose to cushion citizens through temporary tax relief, which helped keep inflation manageable.

“The increase of over K6 per litre is significant, but continuing the tax suspension indefinitely would have been financially irresponsible as the government sacrificed billions of kwacha in revenue,” he stressed.

Mr Zulu said that the new fuel prices are not expected to threaten fuel availability but will instead strengthen sustainability of supply as prices will now reflect actual import and operational costs.

He added that with VAT expected to return on 1st December 2026, the restoration should not be seen as a burden in isolation but as a return to normal fiscal policy after an extraordinary period of government support.

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