Fuel Theft Network Exposed as Authorities Recover Over 6,000 Litres in Lusaka

A major crackdown on illegal fuel activities in Zambia has led to the recovery of 6,480 litres of petroleum products and the arrest of eight suspects, prompting concerns about fuel theft and the dangers it poses to the country's petroleum sector.

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB), working with the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC)-led Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Vending, said the operation uncovered a coordinated network involved in siphoning, hiding and distributing petroleum products in Lusaka.

As revealed in a joint statement issued on Thursday, 18 June, officers first raided the Industrial Area, where they discovered an underground tunnel allegedly being used to store stolen fuel.

The tunnel contained about 4,500 litres of petroleum products kept in 40-litre containers. Authorities suspect the fuel was siphoned from tanker trucks before being moved into illegal storage facilities.

The discovery shows the challenge of fuel theft, which continues to affect fuel supply chains and threatens legitimate operators in the petroleum industry.

After the Industrial Area operation, the task force expanded its investigations to Kanyama, Zanimuone and Chifwema. The extended operation led to more seizures and the arrest of additional suspects linked to various fuel-related offences.

By the end of the exercise, authorities had seized a total of 6,480 litres of petroleum products.

The ERB said investigations are still ongoing to identify other people connected to the illegal fuel network and determine the full scale of the operation.

All eight suspects are currently in lawful custody and are expected to appear in court soon.

The task force warned that illegal fuel activities are becoming a serious threat to the petroleum sector and public safety.

It noted that fuel smuggling, siphoning and illegal vending not only disrupt lawful fuel distribution but also create unfair competition for licensed operators who comply with government regulations.

Authorities also stressed that such activities can reduce government revenue through tax losses and create major safety concerns in communities where fuel is stored in unauthorised locations.

"The Task Force wishes to express concern over the increasing illegal fuel activities," the statement said.

It added that the practices "threaten public safety, undermine fair competition, deprive the Government of revenue, and pose significant fire and environmental risks."

Industry observers maintain that illegal fuel trading often flourishes when criminal groups exploit gaps in transportation and distribution systems. Such activities can expose communities to accidents, explosions and environmental damage.

The ERB urged fuel dealers, transporters and members of the public to comply with petroleum regulations and report suspicious fuel-related activities to authorities.

The board also reaffirmed its commitment to sustained enforcement actions aimed at dismantling illegal fuel networks and protecting the integrity of Zambia's petroleum sector.