Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Energy Expert Boniface Zulu says the decision by the Government to resort to the importation of finished petroleum products through the TAZAMA pipeline is a step in the right direction, but will not be sustainable in the long run because of the anticipated high demand for the commodity.
Recently, Energy Minister Peter Kapala announced that government has resolved to be importing finished petroleum products through TAZAMA pipeline and that Indeni Refinery will no longer refine crude petroleum products.
Mr Zulu is suggesting that going forward; the Angola-Zambia pipeline must be constructed to ensure sustained availability of the commodity especially because Indeni was not sufficient to produce enough fuel for the entire country, hence going into losses.
He notes the move that government has taken is good for the country, though it will only be used as a cushion measure and not something that will be considered in the near future especially that there are more vehicles that will be imported into the country.
Mr Zulu further states that it is anticipated that the price of crude oil will remain high above 100 dollars per barrel beyond March 2022, hence the need for government to come up with a long lasting plan.