The first batch of diesel under Lot 1 of the Open Access Framework arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 7, 2025. This aligns with the government’s commitment to ensuring fair participation of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in the transportation of Low Sulphur Gas (LSG) through the pipeline. The announcement was made in a ministerial statement by the Honorable Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote on 26th March, 2025.
This Open Access Framework marks a shift from government-led importation to private sector participation and this framework aims to liberalize Zambia’s fuel supply chain, reducing risks, inefficiencies, and lack of competition.
The first shipment of diesel from consignment 1 of the Open Access Framework landed in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 7, 2025. This is consistent with the government’s commitment to ensuring that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) participate fairly in the pipeline transportation of Low Sulphur Gas (LSG). This news was made in a ministerial statement by the Honorable Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, on March 26, 2025.
This Open Access Framework represents a move from government-led imports to private sector participation, and it intends to liberalize Zambia’s fuel supply chain by lowering risks, inefficiencies, and promote competition hence leading to better pricing and reduced fuel costs. In light of the foregoing, contracts have been given to three Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for the supply of 105,000 metric tons of diesel. He further noted that this will lead to enhanced private sector participation thus leading to a faster and more efficient procurement and delivery process hence contributing to economic growth.
This private participation will reduce governments monetary burden thereby leading to more resilience and security in the country’s fuel supply. Consequently, promoting economic growth and lowering the living costs in Zambia because of affordable LSG.
References
Zambia Daily Mail. (2025, 04). Zambia Daily Mail|Facebook Page. Retrieved from TAZAMA Open Access system: https://web.facebook.com/ZAMBIADAILYMAIL/photos/government-has-announced-the-successful-offloading-of-the-first-diesel-consignme/1069323578562600/?_rdc=1&_rdr#
ZNBC. (2025, 04 01). Youtube. Retrieved from Open Access Policy Delivers First Fuel Ship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdPtXWqM0v8