Pre-occupy yourselves with adjusting prices, not killing political parties

By Daily Revelation Editor

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has decided to maintain the same fuel prices as they were adjusted upwards over a month ago.

To be honest, the expectation in the minds of many was that there was going to be a further upward adjustment, given factors like the deteriorating Kwacha, which is used as one of the reasons for effecting changes.

However, the underlying fact still remains that Zambians deserve lower prices than the maintained almost K30 they are having to buy the commodity at per liter. This is more so given the fact that there is a lot of dirt happening in the oil market, which if it was cleaned up would make the price of the commodity a little less burdensome than it currently is right now.

Sentiment in the market is that Zambians should be buying the price of the commodity at very much well below the K30, and it pains especially with strong reports that the cheaper bid that could have ensured cheaper oil on the market was rejected in favour of the expensive one. Someone surely needs to answer for such serious sabotage against the people of this country.

It is folly for those in government to think that they can wish away this hard socio and economic situation the country is going through without taking very bold and decisive steps for the benefit of the people they were elected to govern.

For as long as the current price sustains, the fortunes in this country will just continue worsening. Where has anyone seen any country develop with such steep fuel prices as those obtaining in Zambia, with an upward adjustment of over 85 percent in just the last two years?

And when is this predictable pricing mechanism Hakainde Hichilema directed at State House going to come into force? Because just the mere fact that there is an expected price adjustment at the month sends its own uncertainty into the market, like the speculation that was swirling around prior to yesterday’s announcement that there was going to be a further adjustment of K4 and raising price to K33. This in itself sends unnecessary actions in terms of holding by some unscrupulous traders in anticipation of a higher price.

Those in the UPND administration may not feel the impact these fuel prices are having on ordinary Zambians as they have their automobiles filled up using taxpayers’ money, such that some don’t even remember the last time they bought fuel in their vehicles. And even if they were to buy the commodity for themselves they may not feel the impact because they have very fat salaries and allowances, while the people they were elected to serve struggle on with such huge costs, with it becoming prevalent now seeing motor vehicles stopping along the roads due to the simple fact that many cannot keep up with such huge prices.

It is a good thing the ERB has not increased but Zambians expect further adjustments downwards in subsequent reviews. If it means doing so through a subsidy, please let it be done, as long as it is benefiting the Zambian people. That is why people elect leaders.

These are matters which should actually be keeping Hakainde and the people he leads awake at night rather than preoccupying themselves with which opposition leader they will arrest next or which political party they will kill next.