By Jane Chanda
The Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) says the recent K2.84 fuel price reduction is insufficient to bring meaningful relief to consumers or reduce the overall cost of living, describing the government’s celebration as unfair.
Last week, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) slashed fuel prices for May 2025 due to decreased international oil prices, with petrol dropping by K2.84 to K32.14 per litre and diesel by K2.85 to K27.38 per litre
In a recent interview with Daily Revelation, ZACA executive secretary Juba Sakala explained that fuel was just one part of the problem and that other critical factors driving high prices included transportation logistics, supply chain inefficiencies and production costs, which must also be addressed.
“Reducing the pump price by K2 may look good on paper, but the reality is that prices of essential goods and services are still out of reach for many Zambians,” he said.
He said the government should implement broader economic measures that directly impacted household incomes and price stability across various sectors and that this would help reduce the overall cost of living and make a tangible difference in the lives of Zambians.
Sakala said the current reduction, although welcome, was insufficient to address the deeper problems plaguing the economy and that the government needed to take a more comprehensive approach to tackle issues such as procurement transparency and fiscal discipline.
“As ZACA we are urging the government to look beyond fuel prices and focus on other critical areas that affect the economy. By doing so, the government can create a more sustainable and equitable economic environment for all Zambians,” said Sakala.
