The Editor Zambia
While Zambians are understandably concerned about the latest increase in fuel prices, a comparison with neighbouring Tanzania provides an important perspective on the international energy crisis and its impact on importing countries.
Tanzania has experienced a dramatic surge in fuel prices over the past year, with diesel prices reportedly increasing by between 51 and 53 per cent and petrol by approximately 47 to 48 per cent. 
According to figures announced by Tanzania’s Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), petrol in Dar es Salaam is selling at a maximum retail price of TSh4,083 per litre, while diesel has reached TSh4,128.
These increases have placed considerable pressure on Tanzanian households, transport operators, and businesses. They demonstrate that the current international energy crisis is neither peculiar to Zambia nor necessarily a consequence of decisions made by individual governments.
Indeed, Tanzania’s experience provides a useful lesson for those who are quick to blame the Zambian government whenever fuel prices are adjusted.
The reality is that countries importing petroleum products remain exposed to international market movements, geopolitical tensions, and disruptions in global supply chains.
In Zambia, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has increased petrol prices by K1.60 to K33.06 per litre and diesel by K1.18 to K34.45 for November. Although no consumer welcomes higher fuel prices, the adjustment must be understood against the background of rising international petroleum prices and growing costs associated with importing fuel.
Zambia is an importer of petroleum products and, therefore, remains exposed to international procurement costs, shipping charges, insurance premiums, and exchange-rate movements.
These are economic realities that no government can simply wish away through political declarations.
Among the major factors behind the current international increases are geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly disruptions and uncertainty surrounding shipping through strategic routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Such developments increase freight and insurance costs while creating uncertainty over the availability of petroleum supplies.
International crude oil prices have also risen sharply, with Brent crude reportedly averaging between US$124 and US$125 per barrel in October 2026.
These developments have consequences for every importing country, including Zambia. As a landlocked nation, Zambia must additionally contend with transportation and distribution costs associated with bringing petroleum products into the country.
The exchange rate is another important consideration because fuel imports are predominantly priced in United States dollars. Any depreciation of the Kwacha increases the local currency cost of procurement, even when international prices remain unchanged.
It is, therefore, misleading for political critics to suggest that the government can independently determine pump prices without considering these international and domestic cost factors.
Ultimately, the comparison with Tanzania demonstrates that Zambia is not operating in isolation. While the November adjustment is unwelcome, the substantially higher percentage increases experienced by our neighbour illustrate the severity of the international energy challenge.
Zambians deserve affordable fuel, but they also deserve an honest explanation of the economic forces determining its price.
Politicising every fuel adjustment will not lower international oil prices. Pragmatic policies, responsible regulation, and long-term energy diversification offer a more sustainable solution.
