Do you know that the entire Western Province has only 13 filling stations?

According to the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) […]

According to the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) 2025 Annual Statistical Bulletin, Western Province had only 13 filling stations as of 2025, making it the province with the lowest number of retail sites with the highest, Lusaka recording about 286 stations.

The report further indicated that Puma Energy Zambia had 4 retail sites, Mount Meru Petroleum Zambia Limited 3, and Refuel 2, while Vivo Energy Zambia, Total Energies Zambia, Rubis Zambia Limited and Hass each had one.

Oil Marketing Companies Association of Zambia (OMCAZ) has revealed that poor road infrastructure and limited access to electricity are among the major factors discouraging investment in filling stations in Western Province.

 Speaking to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, OMCAZ President Dr. Kafula Mubanga said road infrastructure and access to power remain critical considerations for investors. “There are several factors that attract investment in a province which is road infrastructure, access to power, and population are among the key considerations,” said Dr. Mubanga.

He added that investors also need access to titled land because title deeds can be used to secure financing and protect their investments. “Any investor that wants to invest in a project like filling stations wants to easily access title, and land accessibility can determine whether an investment takes place,” said Dr. Mubanga.

 Meanwhile, he said the long distances between filling stations in Western Province make it necessary for the regulator to consider special measures to attract investors. “It’s high time that ERB created a particular incentive framework which could encourage more oil marketing companies to establish retail sites in underserved areas,” said Dr. Mubanga.

He further stated that the 13-station figure is not a good picture for the province, but added that the situation could be improved if ERB introduced targeted incentives to attract filling station investment.

Article by Philip Sinkala