FUEL PRICE REDUCTION EXPECTED TO EASE COST OF LIVING – LCCl
LUANSHYA Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairperson Enestle Zimba says the latest reduction in fuel prices announced by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) is expected to reduce the cost of doing business and help ease inflationary pressures.
The ERB has reduced the pump price of petrol from K27.15 to K26.15 per litre, diesel from K32.11 to K28.11 per litre, kerosene from K33.91 to K27.95 per litre and Jet A-1 fuel from K36.68 to K29.85 per litre. The new prices took effect at midnight on June 30, 2026, and will remain in force until the next monthly review.
Mr. Zimba says fuel is a key component in the transportation of goods and services, adding that lower fuel costs should, in principle, result in lower commodity prices for consumers.
However, he notes that while businesses quickly adjust prices whenever fuel costs increase, they often delay reducing prices when fuel costs fall, making it difficult for consumers to experience immediate relief.
Mr. Zimba says the reduction is nevertheless a positive indication that Zambia’s macroeconomic fundamentals are improving and is expected to support a further decline in inflation, which recently stood at 6.6 percent.
He has expressed optimism that if the current economic trend is sustained, consumers will gradually benefit from lower prices of goods and services across the country.
CREDIT: RFM