FUEL CRISIS SHOULD NOT BE POLITICISED, SAYS UPND MEDIA DIRECTOR
UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe has cautioned against politicising the current fuel supply challenges, stating that the situation is largely driven by external shocks beyond government control.
Speaking during a live interview on Radio Phoenix, Mr Simuuwe said President Hakainde Hichilema has, through various reforms, built economic resilience that has enabled Zambia to withstand multiple global and regional crises.
Mr Simuuwe noted that the country is now grappling with the effects of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has disrupted global fuel markets and impacted Zambia’s supply chain.
“The fuel situation cannot be politicised. President Hichilema has built resilience against external forces beyond human control through reforms that have led to an economic rebound,” he said.
He explained that upon assuming office, President Hichilema inherited a heavily indebted economy and embarked on an extensive debt restructuring process under the G20 framework, engaging key global leaders including China’s President Xi Jinping, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, the United States Vice President, and the European Union Parliament.
Mr Simuuwe added that Zambia has also faced severe climate shocks, including a devastating drought that affected not only Zambia but also neighbouring Malawi and Zimbabwe, prompting government to declare a national disaster and introduce a supplementary budget to mitigate its impact.
He highlighted several interventions implemented by government to stabilise the economy, including emergency cash-for-work programmes, expanded social cash transfers, and monetary policy adjustments by the Bank of Zambia.
Additionally, Mr Simuuwe said over 17,000 farmers have been placed on irrigation schemes to enhance food security, while inflation has been reduced to single digits and foreign reserves have grown to over US$5 billion
He further pointed to increased investment in the mining sector, an appreciating Kwacha, improved youth employment through recruitment programmes, and a rise in tourist arrivals from about 500,000 in 2021 to over 2.1 million.
Mr Simuuwe stressed that President Hichilema has consistently maintained that instability in one part of the world affects all nations, noting that the conflict involving Iran has inevitably impacted Zambia’s economic gains.
“All these challenges have occurred within the first term of office, making it one of the most difficult periods in our country’s history,” he said.
He reiterated that despite these setbacks, government remains committed to sustaining economic recovery and protecting citizens from global shocks.
And Government has taken decisive action to address the current fuel supply challenges by declaring a national fuel emergency and introducing immediate tax relief measures aimed at protecting citizens and businesses.
During a special Cabinet meeting chaired by President Hakainde Hichilema in Lusaka, ministers approved the zero-rating of Value Added Tax (VAT) and the suspension of excise duty on petrol and diesel imports. The measures will take effect from April 1, 2026, and will run for an initial three-month period.
Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said the move is designed to reduce fuel costs and stabilise supply during the ongoing disruptions.
“This intervention is designed to ease the burden on households and businesses while government works to restore normal fuel availability,” Mr. Mweetwa said.
UPND MT