The Government of Zambia has announced measures to reinforce fuel supply in Luapula Province in response to potential global disruptions.
Speaking during a tour of the Mansa Tazama Fuel Depot, Luapula Province Minister Nason Musonda described the facility as a vital strategic reserve with the capacity to store up to 6.5 million litres of fuel, including diesel, petrol, and kerosene.
He said the depot is expected to ensure a stable and reliable fuel supply in the province, particularly as geopolitical tensions continue to affect global fuel supply chains.
According to the minister, government is actively exploring alternative supply options to maintain fuel availability and sustain economic activity, noting that petroleum products remain critical to the country’s economy.
Musonda expressed satisfaction with progress at the facility and urged Tazama Pipelines Limited to complete outstanding works, including meter calibration, to enable commissioning by the end of next month.
He added that once operational, the depot will be able to sustain Luapula Province for more than a month without new fuel deliveries, while also lowering transportation costs as oil marketing companies will source fuel directly from Mansa instead of Ndola.
The government, through the Ministry of Energy, also plans to stockpile fuel at the facility to cushion the province against supply shocks and support continued economic productivity.
Meanwhile, Mansa Fuel Depot Superintendent Mazimba Ng’onga said the facility includes two diesel tanks with a combined capacity of 4 million litres, two petrol tanks with a capacity of 2 million litres, and an additional 500,000 litres for kerosene.
He noted that although construction of the depot has been completed, it is yet to be commissioned, with initial fuel supplies expected before the end of the second quarter of 2026. Once operational, the depot is expected to significantly improve fuel distribution efficiency across the region.