The recent surge in diesel prices to nearly K35 per litre has sent shockwaves through Zambia’s small-scale mining sector, raising serious questions about the industry’s survival amid escalating operational costs. In just two to three months, diesel prices have surged by nearly 50%, rising from around K23 per litre in March 2026 to approximately K34 per litre in May 2026. The mining sector, which is vital to Zambia’s economic growth, is among the hardest hit by the fuel price hike. With diesel being the lifeblood of their operations, powering excavators, bulldozers, pumps, and generators, the new price level has dramatically...
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