Diesel Fuel

Peter McCarthy

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Apr 3, 2026, 10:14:49 AMApr 3

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Gooday All,

We are embarking on a camping trip from Kasane, into Zambia Mid May to Mid June. I am very concerned about shortage / or no diesel being available during our trip as a result of the Middle east Conflict. On itinerary: Kazungula, to Kafue via Kalomo, east to Bangweula via Kapiri Mposhi, Mutinondo, North Laungwa transit to South Luangwa and back toward Livingston and Kazungula over a three week period.

I have spent time looking on line, streamed Lusaka Radios etc, and its very difficult to get any clear information on the fuel situation / and shortages .

If anyone can help with on this subject I would be most grateful.

Thank you

Best regards

Peter McCarthy

+33 611531381 Whats App

A.M. Butzelaar

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Apr 6, 2026, 5:20:06 AMApr 6

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I don't think anyone knows for sure.

All I can think of is lots of jerry cans and fill up whenever you can

Also be prepared to change your plans if needs be. Gotta be flexible these days

Anne-Marie

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Franques Lee

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Apr 7, 2026, 3:09:00 AMApr 7

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Good Morning

I would suggest you take Jerry Cans. Just ensure you dont keep the Jerry Cans INSIDE your vehicle as that carries a fine if caught.

Bigger places where trucks frequent, you should be able to find Diesel, Kasane, Kapiri Mposhi - the more Rural you go, it might be a bit of a problem.

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Johann Groenewald

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Apr 7, 2026, 6:24:25 AMApr 7

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Hi Peter,

Because the Middle East situation is so fluid, any current information may be outdated by June. That said, the rule is to keep your tank as full as possible.

Kalomo can run out on a good day, so do not count on it. Top up if they have it, and again in Itezhi Tezhi if they have it.

I don't think the Great North Road will run dry unless there is a global supply issue. And always speak to the locals if there is a problem. However be wary of fuel that seemingly costs the same as at the pump but comes out of a container. It may have been stolen explaining how they can match the pump price or watered down to create a margin.

I would certainly carry a few jerry cans as backup unless you already have a long range tank.

Regards

Johann

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Kind Regards

Johann Groenewald

Lizette Swart

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Apr 7, 2026, 6:29:05 AMApr 7

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Hallo Peter

I would definitely suggest you take jerry cans as Franques suggests.

In 2025 I spent close to 3 months in Zambia, and fuel shortages (especially diesel) is a real thing - early November I spent 2 hours in Lusaka looking for diesel (about 30 fuel stops!).

So I would expect the situation to be worse in May/June if the conflict does not resolve soon.

I did find that diesel on the main track routes were actually more likely to be "finished" as the trucks use it all. I could for instance find diesel in Nkeyema and Kalabo, while Mongu, Kaoma, Mumbwa and Lusaka were empty at the time. In Nkemya the big buses and trucks that could not get fuel in Kaoma and Mongu, were also starting to queue to fill up.

In Kafue NP, have you contacted African Parks to see if you could buy diesel from them? In Gonarezhou, African Parks sells fuel, I saw the fuel tanks at Ngoma in Kafue, but I don't know if they will sell fuel as well.

Also join the DriveZam Facebook Page, and check there - recent travellers will report shortages as they travel.

Good luck and enjoy Zambia!

Regards/Groete

Lizette

Lizette Swart

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Brett Ellis

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Apr 7, 2026, 9:42:45 AMApr 7

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With the current roulette wheel of fueling options, bush/roadside and backyard resellers will certainly increase in number as will the risk of contaminated fuel.

I have used a Racor Filter Funnel (RFF) for over 10 years. The funnel filters out water and other debris before it enters your vehicle tank. You can also use it when filling up your jerry cans.

I have used this funnel on roughly 15 to 20 occasions where I have bought fuel from non-branded outlets - mostly backyard sellers.

Backyard sellers mushroom up around fuel stations that get erratic deliveries from the depots, mostly because of cash flow problems with the owner. This will become an even bigger problem with a projected price hike on diesel of around R17.00/l making diesel in South Africa over R40/l.

( https://businesstech.co.za/news/energy/855629/r8-per-litre-petrol-price-nightmare-on-the-cards-for-south-africa-in-may/ )

May diesel gods be with you on your travels.

Cheers, Brett

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pmccart...@outlook.com

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Apr 7, 2026, 11:56:22 AMApr 7

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To: Anne-Marie, Lizette, Johann, Brett & Franques !

Thank to you all for your pragmatic information and suggestions? It is very much appreciated.

Franques - you mentioned that carrying jerry cans inside the vehicle can attract a fine if caught. Do you know if this rule applies to carrying jerry cans inside the rear section (i.e. the camping section) as well? We are hiring a Bushcamper type vehicle with a single cab (Landcruiser) and there is no roof rack as such to secure jerry cans.

Thanks again,

Peter

From: tracks...@googlegroups.com <tracks...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Brett Ellis <4ri...@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2026 15:42
To: tracks...@googlegroups.com <tracks...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [T4A] Diesel Fuel

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