Request for Public Comments on the Revised Guidelines for the Implementation of the Uniform Petroleum Pricing (UPP) Mechanism for the Zambian Petroleum Retail Sector

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) is a statutory body responsible for regulating the energy sector and derives its mandate from the Energy Regulation Act No.12 of 2019.

Pursuant to Section 4(b) (ii) of the Act, which mandates the ERB to develop and implement appropriate rules to promote fair competition in the energy sector. The ERB developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and in consultation with the diverse players in the petroleum sector the Guidelines for the implementation of the Uniform Petroleum Pricing (UPP) mechanism.

The Uniform Petroleum Pricing (UPP) mechanism was designed to ensure uniform prices of petroleum products sold at all licensed retail sites across the country. The aim of the mechanism is; to mitigate high petroleum products’ prices in areas which are far from functional depots; to encourage establishment of low-cost petroleum retail sites in rural areas; to increase fuel uptake in rural areas, thereby contributing to economic development. and urban areas by utilizing the transport cost differential from different locations of retail sites. In addition, the aim of the UPP mechanism is to increase fuel uptake in rural areas thereby speeding up economic development.

However, evolving industry dynamics and recent developments necessitate a comprehensive review and revision of these guidelines to ensure continued relevance, efficiency, and sustainability. There have been significant changes in the petroleum supply chain, including shifts in importation models, increased reliance on pipeline transportation, variations in regional sourcing routes (Dar-es-Salaam, Beira, Walvis Bay), and evolving storage and distribution arrangements that have altered the underlying cost structures since the inception of the UPP.

This notice serves to invite the public, interested and affected parties to submit comments on the abovementioned Draft Revised UPP guidelines. Copies of the draft guidelines can be obtained from the ERB offices at the addresses indicated below. Further, draft electronic copies may also be downloaded from the ERB website at Proposed Revision to UPP Guidelines.

Stakeholders wishing to respond to the ‘call for public comments’ should follow the four steps below:

Step 1

Download the Draft revised Guidelines (Draft for Public Comments) and the Public Enquiry Comment Form from the ERB website at Proposed Revision to UPP Guidelines and Comments Form or physically from the ERB offices.

Then, respond to the ‘call for public comments’ as described in Step 2 and Step 3 below.

Step 2

Please fill your comments or proposed changes in the Public Enquiry Comment Form that you downloaded in Step 1.

The following is a quick guide on how you could use the Public Enquiry Comment Form to provide your comments or proposed changes:

1. In the first column of the Public Enquiry Comment Form, identify the Clause Number or Sub-clause Number of the Draft Standard on which you have a comment or proposed change;
2. In the second column, identify the Paragraph, Figure or Table on which you have a comment or proposed change;
3. In the third column, indicate the type of comment or proposed change you would like to make. Indicate te for technical, ge for general or ed for editorial comments;
4. In the fourth column, give a reason for your comment or proposed change (Justification for change); and
5. Finally in column five, indicate the proposed change.

Step 3

Upon completion of filling in the Public Enquiry Comment Form with all your comments or proposed changes, kindly submit the Form to the Director General, ERB no later than 6^th March 2026 to the following addresses:

For clarifications or details, please contact the Energy Regulation Board at: