The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) and the Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) have warned petroleum industry players that they could face administrative, regulatory, or legal sanctions for failing to comply with guidelines governing fuel measurement and the handling of storage and in-transit losses.
The warning comes amid reports of operational challenges, including the failure by some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to use bulk flow meters as the primary measurement instrument and the loading of petroleum tanker compartments beyond their approved calibrated capacities.
The regulators have also raised concerns over the failure by some stakeholders to follow the prescribed dispute resolution process when fuel losses or measurement discrepancies are reported, resulting in unnecessary disputes and the inconsistent application of the guidelines.
The ERB says it has, since June this year, intensified capacity-building and industry sensitisation programmes for depot operators, transporters, drivers, and other petroleum industry stakeholders to promote the consistent implementation of the guidelines.
A multi-sectoral task team comprising regulators and private sector representatives has also been constituted to identify implementation gaps, while the ERB and ZMA have committed to investigating and resolving complaints of alleged fuel shortages within a reasonable timeframe.
The measures follow the introduction of mandatory calibrated dipsticks and certified dip charts by the Zambia Metrology Agency in February 2026 to improve the accuracy and integrity of petroleum product measurements.
The two institutions say the guidelines are intended to promote transparency, accountability, and consistency in fuel measurement while protecting consumers, transporters, and petroleum marketers from unjustified quantity disputes.
By Rachel Mumba
