Motorists Rush to Fill Up as ERB Raises November Fuel Prices, Monthly Review Debate Returns Zambia Fuel Prices Rise Again as Motorists Rush to Filling StationsMotorists Rush to Fill Up as ERB Raises November Fuel Prices, Monthly Review Debate Returns
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NewsMotorists in different parts of Zambia rushed to filling stations on Saturday evening to buy fuel before the latest pump price increases took effect, following an announcement by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) revising petroleum prices for November 2026. The announcement triggered activity at filling stations, with motorists seeking to fill their tanks at the Motorists rushed to filling stations as ERB raised November fuel prices. In Choma, queues formed as Government faces renewed calls for predictable fuel pricing.Motorists in different parts of Zambia rushed to filling stations on Saturday evening to buy fuel before the latest pump price increases took effect, following an announcement by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) revising petroleum prices for November 2026. The announcement triggered activity at filling stations, with motorists seeking to fill their tanks at the
Motorists in different parts of Zambia rushed to filling stations on Saturday evening to buy fuel before the latest pump price increases took effect, following an announcement by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) revising petroleum prices for November 2026.
The announcement triggered activity at filling stations, with motorists seeking to fill their tanks at the outgoing October prices before the new rates came into effect at midnight on October 31.
In Choma, Southern Province, queues formed at TotalEnergies filling station on Saturday evening as motorists took advantage of the fuel that was available.
Some motorists were seen filling their vehicles to full tank, apparently seeking to maximise their purchases before the price adjustment.
The rush came amid concerns raised by motorists in recent days over the availability of fuel at some filling stations. Some customers reported being turned away after being informed that fuel was unavailable, prompting speculation that certain stations could have been holding back supplies in anticipation of the new prices.
However, the reasons behind the reported supply interruptions have not been independently established, and it remains unclear whether they were linked to stock shortages, distribution challenges or expectations of the price adjustment.
November fuel prices go up across the board
In its press release issued on Saturday, October 31, the ERB announced increases across all four petroleum products, citing movements in international oil prices and the depreciation of the Kwacha against the United States dollar.
Petrol has increased by K1.60 per litre, from K31.46 to K33.06, while diesel has gone up by K1.18, from K33.27 to K34.45.
Kerosene has recorded an increase of K2.32, moving from K29.76 to K32.08 per litre, while Jet A-1 has risen by K2.66, from K31.85 to K34.51 per litre.
The revised prices took effect at midnight on October 31 and will remain in force until the next price review.
Product October price November price Increase Petrol K31.46 K33.06 K1.60 Diesel K33.27 K34.45 K1.18 Kerosene K29.76 K32.08 K2.32 Jet A-1 K31.85 K34.51 K2.66According to ERB Board Chairperson James Banda, international oil prices generally continued on an upward trajectory during the review period due to sustained geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The average price of petrol increased from US$121.58 per barrel to US$125.84 per barrel, while the average price of kerosene/Jet A-1 rose from US$144.00 to US$153.22 per barrel.
Diesel, however, recorded a marginal reduction in its average international price, falling from US$160.88 to US$154.71 per barrel.
The Board also cited the weakening of the Kwacha against the United States dollar, with the local currency depreciating by more than three per cent during the review period.
The ERB said the combined changes in international oil prices and the exchange rate were the main factors considered in determining the November pump prices.
Monthly fuel price reviews under scrutiny
The latest adjustment has also brought renewed attention to the monthly fuel pricing system, which has increasingly become a concern for motorists, businesses and other economic players who have to respond to changes in fuel costs.
President Hakainde Hichilema previously acknowledged the challenges associated with frequent monthly adjustments, saying the system was distorting business planning and complicating economic management.
During his visit to the United Arab Emirates in September, the President raised the matter during a meeting with ADNOC Global Trading Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Bin Talith.
According to the Ministry of Energy, Hichilema called for a more predictable fuel pricing system and disclosed that Zambia was considering moving away from monthly pump price adjustments to longer review periods of two or three months.
He explained that such an arrangement could give businesses greater certainty and allow them to plan more effectively, while emphasising that security of fuel supply would remain an important consideration.
The President also appealed to ADNOC Global Trading to work with Zambia in addressing the factors influencing domestic fuel prices, including international oil prices, the exchange rate and transportation costs.
The discussion was significant because fuel pricing does not only affect motorists. Changes in petroleum prices can influence the operating costs of transporters, farmers, manufacturers and businesses that depend on road transport to move goods and services.
For ordinary households, increases in fuel costs can also feed into the prices of essential commodities and transport services, although the extent and timing of such effects depend on other market factors.
Businesses and households face another adjustment
The November increase comes after a substantial adjustment in October, when petrol rose by K6.17 per litre and diesel by K6.41 per litre.
The latest increases therefore add to the pressure on motorists and businesses already adjusting to higher fuel costs.
For a motorist purchasing 50 litres of petrol, the November increase alone represents an additional K80 compared with the October price. For a vehicle taking 50 litres of diesel, the additional cost is K59.
These figures illustrate the direct effect at the pump, before considering possible changes in transport fares, delivery charges and the prices of goods and services.
The rush witnessed at filling stations in Choma and the concerns over fuel availability reported by some motorists also highlight how monthly price announcements can influence consumer behaviour, with customers seeking to purchase fuel before new prices take effect.
The latest developments leave two important issues for Government and the energy sector: how to ensure reliable fuel availability ahead of price reviews, and whether a more predictable pricing schedule can be introduced without compromising security of supply.
As motorists begin paying the new November prices, attention will also turn to the President’s earlier indication that Government was considering changes to the monthly review arrangement.
For now, the monthly adjustments remain in place, and motorists and businesses must continue to plan around the changing cost of fuel.
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