Energy PS says joining the pipelines could cut logistics costs by up to 60 percent. The one existing pipeline is still not open to others

LUSAKA. Permanent Secretary Prof Ephraim Munshifwa of the Ministry of Energy called for regional oil pipeline integration at the Energy Forum for Africa at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka (Zambia Monitor, 9 October). He said pipeline transport could cut logistics spending by up to 60 percent compared with road freight. No basis was given for that figure. He said access should be transparent and non-discriminatory so licensed marketers can use capacity fairly. **The gap between talk and practice.** Zambia already has a pipeline, the TAZAMA line. Cabinet approved a temporary suspension of TAZAMA open access in April 2026, according to Diggers (26 September). The Ministry of Energy says open access will resume in January 2027. Earlier reporting had it ending in September. One report says Vitol has exclusive access for diesel. We could not confirm that. The ministry also says construction of a multi-product petroleum and natural gas pipeline from Walvis Bay in Namibia to Lusaka should start by mid-2027, with operations by mid-2030. **Fuel cover.** In July, Zambia had 15 days of petrol and 21 days of diesel. As of 21 September the ministry reported about 154.3 million litres of diesel (19.2 days) and 34.8 million litres of petrol (17.3 days). **Debt.** Fuel procurement debt has fallen from over US$900 million in 2022 to about US$210 million in July 2026. **Why it matters.** Fuel excise is being restored this month (see Story 2). Savings from cheaper logistics could in theory ease prices. That depends on who gets access and on whether savings reach the pump. **Verification notes.** The 60 percent claim is the PS's own and no basis was published. The open access dates come from the ministry via Diggers (paywalled). The Vitol claim is unconfirmed. The Ministry of Energy page could not be opened by our tools. **Open questions.** Who benefits if open access starts in January? What would the 60 percent be measured against? **Sources:** Zambia M