Zambia: Protests possible over rising fuel prices

Event

According to government officials, the price of regular gasoline increased on Monday, February 12, by 6 percent to 13.75 kwacha (USD 1.39) per liter, and the price of diesel fuel increase by 8.3 percent to 12.01 kwacha (USD 1.22) per liter. According to Zambian authorities, fuel prices increased to reflect an international rise in oil prices, and to compensate for a recent depreciation of the Zambian kwacha.

While no protests or industrial actions have been planned as of Tuesday, February 13, spontaneous demonstrations or transportation strikes cannot be ruled out in the coming days and weeks.

Advice

All those present in Zambia are advised to closely monitor developments to the situation and avoid all public gatherings due to the risk of violence, which can flare up with little warning.