The Ministry of Energy has announced the successful offloading of the first diesel consignment under the TAZAMA Open Access Framework. According to Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Peter Mumba, the shipment arrived in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, on March 31 and commenced discharging on April 5, 2025.
“The Ministry of Energy is pleased to announce the successful completion of offloading the first diesel consignment under the TAZAMA Open Access system here in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. The vessel arrived on 31st March and started discharging cargo on 5th April, concluding last night, 8th April 2025, at exactly 19:45 hours Tanzania time,” Mumba stated.
A total of 94,629 metric tonnes of diesel was offloaded from the MT ISABELLA vessel into TAZAMA storage tanks, marking a significant milestone in Zambia’s energy supply chain. The Open Access Framework is expected to improve fuel supply efficiency by allowing multiple industry players to use the TAZAMA pipeline for transportation, fostering competition and potentially reducing fuel costs.
The government introduced the Open Access Framework to enhance private sector participation in fuel imports and distribution. This system allows oil marketing companies to procure and transport fuel through the existing TAZAMA infrastructure rather than relying solely on government-controlled imports.
The successful offloading of this consignment is a step towards strengthening Zambia’s fuel security and ensuring a stable supply of diesel for industries, businesses, and consumers. The Ministry of Energy has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a seamless transition under the Open Access Framework and will continue working with stakeholders to enhance fuel distribution across the country.
With this development, Zambia is expected to experience improved fuel availability, reduced logistical challenges, and potentially more competitive fuel pricing. The government remains optimistic that the Open Access system will contribute to economic growth by creating a more efficient and sustainable fuel supply network.