Zambia extends fuel tax relief to cushion impact of Middle East conflict

LUSAKA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Zambia has extended the suspension of excise duty on petrol and diesel for another 90 days to cushion consumers from higher global oil prices driven by the conflict in the Middle East.

Thabo Kawana, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Information and Media, said during a press briefing late Wednesday that the government has also extended the zero-rating of value-added tax on petrol and diesel from July 1 to Sept. 30.

"This measure is intended to continue cushioning citizens and businesses from elevated fuel costs, stabilize pump prices and mitigate the impact of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East on global oil prices and supplies," he said.

Kawana reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing targeted interventions to protect livelihoods, support economic and macroeconomic stability, and safeguard energy security.

The initial suspension ran from April 1 to June 30 following the escalation of the crisis in the Middle East, which disrupted global fuel supplies and drove up oil prices. Enditem