ERB Announces June 2026 Fuel Price Adjustments
The Zambia Energy Regulatory Board (ERB) has released its latest fuel price decision for June 2026, keeping the pump price of petrol unchanged while lowering the cost of diesel, kerosene and Jet A‑1. The announcement, made by ERB Chairman James Banda in a press release, reflects the combined influence of shifting international oil markets and a modest appreciation of the Zambian kwacha against the US dollar.
Key Price Changes
- Petrol (gasoline): maintained at K27.15 per litre.
- Diesel: reduced from K33.99 to K32.11 per litre.
- Kerosene: reduced from K35.05 to K33.91 per litre.
- Jet A‑1 fuel: reduced from K37.98 to K36.68 per litre.
The revised rates will remain in effect until the ERB conducts its next scheduled fuel price review.
Drivers Behind the Adjustment
Chairman Banda attributed the price movement to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have exerted upward pressure on gasoline prices while easing diesel and jet fuel costs. According to the ERB’s analysis:
- The average price of gasoline rose to US $124.24 per barrel from US $119.63 per barrel in the previous review window.
- Diesel prices fell to US $155.64 per barrel from US $195.59 per barrel.
- Jet A‑1 (jet fuel) prices decreased to US $155.45 per barrel from US $196.56 per barrel.
These trends indicate a divergent market where gasoline continues to face upward pressure, whereas middle‑distillate products benefit from softer demand and supply dynamics.
Exchange Rate Impact
During the same period, the Zambian kwacha experienced a slight appreciation against the US dollar, moving from K18.97/US $ to K18.56/US $. This currency shift partially offset the rise in gasoline costs and amplified the downward effect on diesel, kerosene and jet fuel prices when converted to local currency terms.
The ERB’s pricing model incorporates both international benchmark prices and the prevailing exchange rate to ensure that pump prices reflect underlying cost changes while protecting consumers from excessive volatility.
Outlook and Next Review
The Board emphasized that the current rates will stay fixed until the next fuel price review, which will consider any further developments in global oil markets, geopolitical risk, and currency fluctuations. Stakeholders—including transporters, industry players and consumers—are encouraged to monitor official ERB communications for updates.
For reference, the original press release can be accessed via the ERB website (Energy Regulatory Board, June 2026 Fuel Price Statement).
