Zambia Declares Fuel Emergency, Suspends Taxes to Ease Crisis

The Zambian government has declared the current fuel supply situation an emergency and approved the zero-rating of Value Added Tax (VAT) and the suspension of Excise Duty on petrol and diesel imports for a period of three months, effective 1st April 2026. This follows a special Cabinet meeting called by President Hakainde Hichilema at State House. Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa said the measures are short-term interventions to mitigate the impact of escalating international crude oil prices on Zambia's economy. Cabinet noted with serious concern the continued conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted global oil supply chains, resulting in increased international fuel prices and exerting upward pressure on domestic pump prices. The Minister said that had Government not taken these measures, petroleum pump prices for April 2026 would have been significantly higher, with corresponding adverse effects on the cost of living.