OMCAZ IMPLORES GOVERNMENT TO RESTRICT THE USE OF THE TAZAMA PIPELINE

The Oil Marketing Companies Association of Zambia has implored government to restrict the use of the TAZAMA Pipeline to Zambian enterprises and compel foreign multinationals to invest in fuel storage capacity.

According to association president Dr. Kafula Mubanga, storage capacity must be attached as a requirement for any foreign-owned oil marketing company if the country is to expand its import cover beyond the minimal two-weeks.

In its end of year address, the Energy Regulation Board-ERB- said Zambia had an average of 18 and 13 days of supply for low Sulphur gas oil and petrol respectively last year, which account for more than 96% of national fuel consumption.

However, Dr. Mubanga says the cover period is insufficient and will not aid the country in an event of a prolonged eventuality, highlighting the necessity to establish minimum storage capacity for all foreign-owned oil marketing companies to increase the country’s cover duration.

He is of the view that foreign corporations should stop using Zambia’s TAZAMA and other storage facilities, and that all new licensees should be compelled to invest in alternative ones.