Consumer Unity and Trust Society Calls for Regulatory System On Fuel

The recent fifteen percent fuel prices increment still remains a hot issue in Zambia.

Many stakeholders have complained that government just changes prices overnight without any consideration of motorists and other consumers.

Consumer Unity and Trust Society �CUTS- International has called for a consumer consultative approach to the fuel prices in Zambia.

The Organisation�s Coordinator Angela Mulenga says there is need for a change in the country�s regulation system.

Meanwhile the Private Sector Development Association has predicted that the recent 15 percent hike in fuel pump prices has a possibility of affecting the cost of doing business in the country.

Association Chairperson, Yusuf Dodia says the increase is also likely to affect prices of most goods and services.

Mr. Dodia told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka, that due to the rise in fuel prices, the cost of many consumer commodities will also go high by more than 15 percent.

He notes that the Tourism, Manufacturing and Agriculture sectors are some of the industries that will adversely be affected with adjustment in fuel prices.

The Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU)in Mazabuka has described the upward adjustment in fuel prices as a blow to the agriculture sector.

Mazabuka District Agri-business manager, Clement Phiri told ZANIS in Mazabuka that the price increase will affect the agriculture sector as it will push production costs upwards.

Mr. Phiri has advised government to find cheaper sources of fuel to ensure stability in the economy.

He observed that buying fuel from a cheaper source would help government in maintaining the price of essential commodities such as mealie meal.