Zambia Ministry of Energy has appealed for support for a proposed Petroleum Bill aimed at modernising the country’s petroleum sector and strengthening fuel supply security.
The Ministry appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Parastatal Bodies chaired by Hon. Stephen Kampyongo the Member of Parliament for Shiwang’andu to justify the need for the new legislation.
Presenting the Ministry’s submissions Acting Permanent Secretary Ms. Grace Tonga explained that the proposed Bill seeks to repeal and replace the Petroleum Act No. 28 of 1930 which she described as outdated.
She noted that the reforms are intended to align Zambia’s petroleum sector with modern standards and international best practices while improving the country’s petroleum supply security.
According to Ms. Tonga the proposed legislation will also establish a Uniform Petroleum Pricing Fund to support a standardised pricing mechanism across the country.She stated that the Bill provides a broader legal framework covering the importation exportation transportation distribution storage wholesale marketing and retail sale of petroleum products.
The legislation also seeks to strengthen regulation and improve the overall management of the petroleum sector.
Ms. Tonga urged the Committee to support the Bill stressing that it would promote greater efficiency transparency and sustainability within the industry.
Meanwhile Hon. Stephen Kampyongo called on the Ministry to clearly harmonise the responsibilities of the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Regulation Board in order to prevent overlaps during implementation of the proposed law.