Zambia turns to ethanol imports to lower fuel prices

The Zambian government is to start importing ethanol from Zimbabwe as a way of lowering high fuel prices within the country.

An MoU with Zimbabwe-based company Green Fuel is due to be signed after mines, energy and water development deputy minister Charles Zulu completed a tour of its facilities in Harare.

Zulu reaffirmed the deal would be short-term while the Zambian government thrashes out plans to host an ethanol plant owned by Nakambala Sugar Estate and to based in Mazabuka.

‘We are happy that we have found a source of energy which, in the short-term, will assist us as a country to bring down the prices of fuel in Zambia,’ he was quoted as saying. ‘Fuel in Zimbabwe is cheaper than in Zambia as it is using ethanol, same goes for Malawi.’

Diesel was selling at $1.50 (€1.16) per litre while petrol is at $1.32 in Zimbabwe.