Fuel reduction a campaign gimmick
By Thandizo Banda
FORMER commerce minister Bob Sichinga has described the latest reduction of the pump price of fuel by the United Party for National Development (UPND) government as a campaign gimmick timed to deceive voters while global oil markets burn.
Sichinga said the cut did not make any economic sense with the United States (US) and Iran at war, and accused government of lying to Zambians about the real state of the economy.
“How can fuel prices decrease in Zambia at the height of the war between the United States and Iran?” Sichinga wondered.
“UPND administration should not lie to Zambians that the price adjustment was as a result of a flourishing economy,” he said.
Sichinga challenged government to prove its claims of a strong economy by settling the debts it owed.
“If the economy is doing fine as they claim, why are they not paying the mountain of debt government owes suppliers?” he said.
“If they have money, why aren’t they servicing the country’s mounting debt?” Sichinga said.
He reminded the UPND of its campaign promise on the price of fuel.
“Why haven’t they reduced fuel to K13 as they promised Zambians during campaigns in 2021,” he asked.
Sichinga accused the ruling party of diverting public resources to weaken the opposition.
“UPND is wasting money buying off strong opposition candidates,” he said.
He urged Zambians not to be misled by the fuel reduction.
