Zambian Authorities Disrupt Illicit Fuel Scheme Linked to Registered Oil Marketer
In a coordinated intelligence‑led operation, Zambia’s Energy Regulatory Board (ERB) and the Drug Enforcement Commission’s (DEC) Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Illegal Fuel Vending uncovered a clandestine fuel‑distribution network operated by a registered oil marketing company, Manyanya Oils Limited. The raid, carried out in Nakonde district, resulted in the arrest of three individuals tied to the firm and the seizure of a tanker truck suspected of moving unmarked petroleum products.
Details of the Investigation
The operation began after analysts flagged irregularities in fuel‑movement reports submitted by Manyanya Oils Limited. Surveillance teams tracked a tanker bearing licence plates AJD 6372 (tractor) and AIE 7102 (trailer) to the company’s storage facility in Nakonde. During a routine stop, officers discovered a concealed foreign registration plate—T353 DUF—hidden in the cab, indicating an attempt to disguise the vehicle’s origin.
A search of the tanker revealed two critical findings:
- Approximately 16,000 litres of fuel had already been off‑loaded into the plant’s underground storage tank, exceeding the authorised volume by 206.1 percent.
- The remaining 11,000 litres inside the tanker were completely unmarked, violating national labelling requirements.
These figures suggest a deliberate effort to bypass the Energy (Petroleum Labeling and Monitoring) Regulations, which mandate clear identification of all petroleum products before distribution.
Charges and Legal Basis
Following the arrests, the suspects were formally charged under the Energy (Petroleum Labeling and Monitoring) Regulations:
- Discharging petroleum products without proper labeling – contravenes Regulation 11(2).
- Possession of over‑marked and non‑compliant petroleum products – contravenes Regulation 12(1) and (2).
The individuals identified in the joint ERB‑DEC statement are:
- Charles Sinkamba, 23 – director and major shareholder of Manyanya Oils Limited.
- Martha Nakamba, 28 – company officer.
- Carter Ngosa, 43 – company officer.
Authorities emphasised that the alleged offences were not isolated mistakes but part of a systematic pattern embedded in the company’s operational procedures.
Implications for the Petroleum Sector
The case highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in Zambia’s fuel supply chain, where illicit vending can erode tax revenues, compromise product quality, and pose safety risks to consumers. Regulators note that non‑compliant fuel may contain contaminants that damage engines and increase the likelihood of accidents.
By targeting the institutional level—rather than only low‑level vendors—the ERB and DEC aim to dismantle the networks that enable large‑scale smuggling. Industry analysts suggest that stricter monitoring of storage facilities, real‑time tracking of tanker movements, and enhanced penalties for corporate offenders could deter similar schemes.
Next Steps
The suspects remain in custody awaiting their first court appearance. The task force continues to pursue additional leads, including possible accomplices within the logistics and distribution arms of the petroleum market. Public updates will be issued as the investigation progresses, in line with the ERB’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
For further information on Zambia’s petroleum regulations and recent enforcement actions, readers may consult the ERB’s official bulletins and the DEC’s periodic press releases.
