Mukanga assures of sufficient fuel

Mukanga assures of sufficient fuel
By Abigail Chaponda in Ndola
Mon 15 Oct. 2012, 14:00 CAT

ENERGY minister Yamfwa Mukanga says there is sufficient fuel to meet the country's demand during the 21-day closure of Indeni for regeneration of the reformer catalyst.

During a tour of the plant in Ndola on Saturday, Mukanga warned Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) of harsh measures should any of them create an impression that there is a shortage of fuel during the shutdown.

"I am here to see if everything is okay. I am happy with everything and there is enough fuel to meet the country's demand during the closure. We should be on the lookout, we want to know the OMCs who are creating an impression that there is no fuel in the country during the shutdown. If one of them is found, then they do not deserve to have their licence," said Mukanga.

And the government has allowed OMCs to import Jet A1 since the current stocks were not enough.

TAZAMA managing director Largeman Muzelenga said there was 35,600 cubic litres of petrol in stock, 71,000 cubic litres of diesel, 24,000 cubic litres kerosine and 4,000 Jet A1. He said Tazama was also modernising the loading bay to enhance efficiency.

"Before the end of November the loading bay would have been modernised. The modern loading bay will prevent leakages. It is also going to be safe, it will reduce on thefts and it is a quick process. The modern loading bay will require loading from the bottom unlike the old one of up loading from the top. The modern loading bay is going to be more efficient," he said.