Sanday Chongo Kabange, AfricaNews reporter in Lusaka, Zambia
Fuel shortage has hit Zambia again in less than 48 hours when it was reported that the situation was getting normal. Meanwhile, reports say the situation has spilled over to Malawi - Zambia's eastern neighbour - and has seriously affected the tobacco industry.
AfricaNews had reported on Tuesday that most service stations across the Zambia capital – Lusaka - had enough fuel to service the nation. However, a fresh wave of queues could be seen at most of the filling stations in Lusaka. Our reporter said there are fears that the fuel crisis could suffocate the economy.
Industry analysts, who earlier dismissed assertions by embattled Energy Minister, Kenneth Konga, that the fuel situation had normalized, have warned of reduced productivity in the country’s major industries and mines.
AfricaNews reporter said motorists spend most of the nights forming queues at gas stations. He said the situation is worse in remote parts of the country.
Tobacco is Malawi’s largest foreign exchange earner while Zambia depends on copper for most of its annual foreign earnings.
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