By Jane Chanda
Bus and Taxi Owners Association chairperson Sydney Chewe says the ongoing fuel shortage in Zambia remains unresolved and has severely impacted the transportation sector due to the persistent unavailability of diesel at most filling stations.
In an interview with Daily Revelation yesterday, Chewe said the shortage had resulted in reduced bus movements and minimal profits for operators.
He said bus operators were now allocating their entire budget to fuel purchases, leaving drivers without resources to cover their personal expenses.
Chewe said the government played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of petroleum products, which according to him was essential for transport companies.
He added there was need to provide the necessary infrastructure, regulations, and support to facilitate the efficient distribution of petroleum products which included addressing issues like pipeline construction, maintenance, and operations, as well as ensuring the safety and environmental standards were met.
He said, by doing so, the government could help prevent disruptions in the supply chain, reduce costs, and promote economic growth.
Highlighting the importance of diesel in the economy, Chewe said the commodity was the driver of the transportation sector without which transportation business would come to a halt as vehicles would not move.
The association chairperson said bus operators were now facing the daunting task of meticulously planning their routes in advance to secure fuel, something he said diverted valuable time and resources but also hampered operational efficiency.
He also said the association was being severely inconvenienced, with a noticeable reduction in the flow of bus movements.
“For instance, if a bus is scheduled to travel to Kasama, we must first confirm fuel availability along the route to avoid getting stranded,” Chewe said. “This uncertainty disrupts our schedules, leading to delayed departures and arrivals, which ultimately affects our customers’ travel plans and our bottom line.”
Chewe further said the reduced flow of bus movements had a ripple effect, impacting the entire transportation ecosystem and exacerbating the challenges faced by commuters.
He also cautioned that the fuel shortage would likely lead to price increases.
When asked if the Energy Regulation Board (ERBs) updates effectively addressed the concerns of stakeholders, Chewe said for good governance, it was essential to engage stakeholders but the association being the major one in the transport business had never had a meeting with the ERB.
He also said the association had repeatedly attempted to engage with ERB but received no response, adding that as a key institution, ERB should proactively coordinate with stakeholders like them to address pressing matters.
Chewe further urged bus owners, drivers, and road users to exercise caution during this challenging period while emphasising patience and safety on the roads.
