By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Zambia’s Energy Regulator has hiked fuel pump prices for April 2026, citing sharp rises in international oil prices and a slight depreciation of the the local currency.
Petrol has increased from K26.61 per litre to K27.15 per litre, while diesel has risen by K6.53 from K23.25 per litre to K29.78 per litre.
Further, Kerosene prices have gone up from K21.06 per litre to K32.26 per litre, and Jet A-1 has increased from K22.39 per litre to K34.74 per litre.
In a statement, Energy Regulation Board (ERB) Chairperson James Banda said the adjustments follow a review of petroleum product prices for the month, with global market conditions exerting upward pressure on domestic fuel costs.
“During the review period, international oil prices recorded significant increases largely driven by heightened geopolitical crisis in the Middle East,” Mr. Banda said.
He noted that petrol prices on the international market rose by 62.84 percent, from US$70.32 per barrel to US$114.51 per barrel, while diesel prices increased by 91.89 percent, with kerosene and Jet A-1 recording the highest rise of 102.41 percent.
Mr. Banda further noted that exchange rate movements also contributed to the increase in local fuel prices.
“Over the same period, the Zambian Kwacha depreciated against the United States Dollar from K19.18/US$ to K19.30/US$, representing a depreciation of 0.65 percent. This movement in the exchange rate further exerted an upward pressure on domestic fuel prices,” he stated.
ERB stated that the revised prices will take effect at midnight on March 31, 2026, and will remain in force until the next review.
Meanwhile, the Government has introduced temporary tax relief measures to mitigate the impact of sharp increase in fuel prices on consumers.
“In order to cushion consumers from the adverse impact of sharp increase in international oil prices while ensuring continued security of fuel supply in the market, Government has resolved to intervene by temporarily suspending Excise Duty and zero-rating of Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel for a period of three months, from April to June 2026,” Mr. Banda disclosed.
