Zambian energy regulator refutes reports of second fuel price hike

Zambia's energy regulator on Friday refuted media reports that it intends to increase fuel prices in the coming days, barely few weeks after increasing fuel pump prices.

Last month, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) increased fuel pump prices by 40 percent following the removal of subsidies.

There have been reports on social media that fuel prices will be increased anytime.

But Kwali Mfuni, the energy regulator's public relations manager, said there will be no further increase in the pump price of fuel and called on members of the public not to panic and ignore the unverified reports.

"Contrary to reports that there is a pending fuel price increase, the ERB wishes to categorically state that the board has not made any decision to further adjust pump prices," she said in a statement.

The fuel pump price will remain unchanged, she added.

The energy regulator, she said, has continued monitoring international oil prices and the performance of the local currency against the United States dollar, which are the two factors the regulator consider whenever assessing fuel prices. Endit