A surge in charcoal prices has been cited as one of the major contributors to the rise in the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) for a family of five in Lusaka, which now stands at ZMW 11,079.13 in November 2025, up from ZMW 10,834.80 in October 2025.
In a statement issued by JCTR Social and Economic Development Officer Lukwesa Musonda, the cost of essential non-food items increased from ZMW 6,432.90 to ZMW 6,581.60, with the price of charcoal rising from ZMW 553.33 to ZMW 633.33 for a 90kg bag due to the onset of the rainy season.
The Centre notes that charcoal remains the primary cooking fuel for many households because of the lack of affordability and limited access to cleaner alternatives.
This comes at a time when the country is experiencing longer hours of load shedding this year at Stage 11 of load management, which entails having only 3 hours of electricity supply.
Meanwhile, the cost of essential food items also increased, rising from ZMW 4,401.90 to ZMW 4,497.53. This was driven by higher prices of selected food products such as beans, cassava flour, kapenta, and milk.
By Edna Mwiimbi
