• Government suspends VAT and excise duties on fuel imports
• Measures aim to limit impact of rising global oil prices
• Intervention set for three months starting April 1

Zambia has declared a national emergency over fuel supply as part of efforts to contain rising pump prices.

In a statement issued on April 1, the Ministry of Information announced immediate measures, including a zero-rate VAT policy and the suspension of excise duties on petrol and diesel imports for a three-month period starting April 1.

“These measures are short-term interventions to mitigate the impact of escalating international crude oil prices on Zambia's economy,” the statement said.

According to the ministry, without these interventions, fuel prices for April would have risen significantly, with direct consequences for the cost of living.