By Admore Mbonda | Zambia
A growing fuel shortage has hit the towns of Siavonga and Chirundu, leaving scores of tourists and motorists stranded amid long queues and mounting frustration.
A spot check by this reporter at multiple service stations in the two border towns revealed an increasingly dire situation, with lengthy lines of vehicles and anxious drivers scrambling to secure fuel.
The shortage, particularly of petrol, has caused widespread disruptions just as the festive travel season peaks.
Although the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has assured the public that diesel supplies remain stable, the availability of petrol continues to dwindle due to logistical bottlenecks in fuel importation.
As of December 23, 2024, many retail outlets across the country had sufficient diesel but reported critical shortages of petrol.
Siavonga, a key tourism hub on the shores of Lake Kariba, has been especially hard-hit. With a high influx of visitors during the holiday season, the demand for fuel has surged—outstripping supply and stranding tourists mid-journey.
“I was ready to drive to Lusaka, but when I got to the station, there was no fuel. I ended up taking a bus instead. It’s very disappointing when you’ve planned everything in advance,” said Oliver Samboko, a frustrated tourist caught in the chaos.
Local residents are also feeling the pinch, citing disruptions to daily life and business activity. Many have called on authorities to act swiftly to resolve the supply chain issues.
As the crisis deepens, there is growing pressure on energy regulators and fuel suppliers to stabilize the situation—particularly in tourism-reliant regions like Siavonga and Chirundu, where access to fuel is essential for both local livelihoods and the visitor economy.
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