Government has announced that it has temporarily suspended the Tazama Open Access Framework for a period of six months, from April to September 2026, in a move aimed at ensuring security of fuel supply under the current emergency situation.
The decision was made during the 7th Cabinet meeting held on April 22, 2026, convened by Hakainde Hichilema at State House in Lusaka, where policy and legislative issues aimed at improving governance and citizens’ living standards were discussed.
Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa, who is also Chief Government Spokesperson, announced the decision in a press statement following Cabinet’s deliberations.
The suspension follows government’s earlier declaration on March 31, 2026, that the country’s fuel supply situation had reached emergency levels, largely due to rising global oil prices and supply disruptions triggered by escalating military tensions involving Iran, United States of America and Israel.
The conflict has disrupted global oil shipments, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy transit route, leading to sharp increases in international crude oil prices.
Meanwhile, Cabinet has also approved the integration of the existing Tazama pipeline into the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Multi-Product Petroleum Pipeline project, a move expected to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and extend the lifespan of the current pipeline infrastructure.
Government says the integration will help maintain stable fuel supply, keep petroleum prices relatively lower and strengthen regional cooperation between Zambia and Tanzania, with the upgrade projected to increase the pipeline’s throughput from 1.1 million metric tonnes to 4 million metric tonnes per year.
By Rachel Mumba
