Oil Marketing Companies Association of Zambia (OMCAZ) says the establishment of 679 licensed Oil Marketing Company (OMC) retail sites across the country marks a major milestone in strengthening Zambia’s fuel distribution network, improving energy security and supporting economic development.
According to the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) 2025 Annual Statistical Bulletin, Zambia currently has 679 licensed OMC retail sites, although only about 18 to 19 Oil Marketing Companies operate active retail networks and fully operational service station businesses nationwide.
Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times (ZBT), OMCAZ President, Dr. Kafula Mubanga welcomed the expansion, saying the growing retail network has significantly improved access to fuel in areas that were previously underserved. “We appreciate the fact that, at this end, ERB has since established about 679 licensed OMC retail sites across the country, and I think that this is a milestone that Zambia deserves,” said Dr. Mubanga.
Meanwhile, Mubanga explained that the expansion has improved connectivity along key transport corridors, citing Northern Province and the Kazungula-Livingstone route, where motorists can now refuel more conveniently without facing long gaps between service stations. “As you move towards the Kazungula Border, you notice that you have about two filling stations as you exit the park, and that’s a significant improvement because it creates a network between Kazungula and Livingstone so that there is no gap in terms of fuel supply,” said Dr. Mubanga.
He added that the wider distribution of filling stations is also helping to reduce dependence on illegal fuel supplies by ensuring motorists have easier access to clean and regulated fuel. Meanwhile, he described mobile filling stations as a practical solution for expanding fuel access into rural and remote communities, saying he had observed such facilities operating successfully in areas including Shiwang’andu, where they are addressing the fuel needs of local communities.
“Our hope by 2030 is to see more of these mobile filling stations in remote areas where agriculture is essential, transport is essential and motorbikes are the main means of movement because they are important for moving products and people,” said Dr. Mubanga.
He urged Government and the Energy Regulation Board to introduce targeted incentives, including tax relief, transportation rebates and reduced regulatory fees for mobile filling stations operating in underserved areas, saying such measures would accelerate investment, support agro-industrialisation and promote inclusive economic growth across Zambia.
Article by Phillip Sinkala
