Consider Angola for cheaper fuel – forwarders
By Thandizo Banda
GOVERNMENT must consider importing fuel from neighbouring Angola to mitigate the effects of the conflicts in the Middle East, the Zambia Freight and Forwarders Association (ZAFFA) has said.
In an interview, ZAFFA vice president Chanika Mumba said there was a need for government to reconsider engaging Angola as the key alternative for fuel importation amid geopolitical tension in the Middle East.
“The government should look at Angola because it’s only a few kilometres and the fuel is even cheaper. Why should we go miles to Nigeria, thousands of miles away from our neighbours who can even give us affordable fuel?” Mumba wondered.
He said Angola had the capacity to supply fuel to Zambia without any disturbances, unlike Nigeria.
“There is nothing special about the Zambian government engaging Nigeria when our neighbouring Angola has the full capacity and potential to supply us [Zambia] with fuel and at a cheaper price,” he said.
Mumba said many African countries, including Zambia, would deeply suffer unless the United States (US), Iran and Israel attached a human economic face to the outcomes of the war.
“First and foremost, it’s a pity that this war had to start. It’s high time that the human face is put by the Iranian government, Israeli government and the United States because this has got a ripple effect on African soil and the economies at large,” he said.
Zambia could use the same fuel used in Angolan vehicles without causing any problems.
“For now, let us go to Angola; those vehicles that are in Angola are using the same fuel, what’s so special about going to Nigeria? How many kilometres are there from here up to Nigeria, unless there’s something fishy, we don’t know?” Mumba said.
He urged government to be serious and proactive towards cost consciousness when identifying alternative sources of fuel amid the conflict in the Gulf region .
“And we urge the government to take this advice seriously. On a serious note, we need Angola to help us to mitigate this crisis which are emanating from the Gulf Street,” he said.
