THE Energy Regulation Board (ERB) says Zambia is stepping up efforts to reduce its reliance on imported fuel through the promotion of alternative energy sources, including electric vehicles and biofuels.

In an interview with ZANIS, ERB Public Relations Manager, Namukolo Kasumpa, said the board is currently developing a comprehensive framework for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and pricing. 

Ms Kasumpa explained that increased adoption of electric vehicles is expected to significantly cut petrol and diesel consumption in the transport sector.

“Government policy now allows oil marketing companies to produce ethanol and blend it with petrol by up to 20 percent, a move expected to reduce fuel imports once local production scales up,” she said. 

In a separate interview, Chamber of Commerce Acting Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Mumba, said the measure by the government is a targeted intervention aimed at reducing the impact of fuel price increase on the domestic economy, despite resulting in reduced government revenue.

Government recently temporarily suspended excise duty and zero-rated VAT on petrol and diesel from April to June 2026 to cushion consumers from rising international oil prices.