ZMA CRACKS DOWN ON NON-COMPLIANT FUEL TANKER TRUCKS

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Posted by admin on January 17, 2026 at 6:07 AM

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The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has announced the mandatory enforcement of metrology compliance requirements for all petroleum tanker trucks operating in the country, warning that vehicles without valid certification will be barred from transporting fuel for commercial purposes.

ZMA Executive Director Humphrey Nkobeni said the directive is anchored in the Metrology Act No. 6 of 2017 and the Metrology (Measuring Instruments) Regulations under Statutory Instrument No. 55 of 2021.

Regulation 27 requires all tanker trucks used to transport petroleum products to meet prescribed metrological control standards.

The directive applies to all petroleum tanker trucks, including those engaged in cross-border transportation and those registered under the Energy Regulation Act of 2019 or other applicable laws.

“Any tanker truck that does not possess a valid verification certificate issued by the Agency shall be deemed non-compliant and shall not be allowed to carry fuel for commercial purposes,” Mr Nkobeni said in a statement issued to RCV News.

He instructed fuel terminals, depots, and retail fuel sites nationwide to ensure that only compliant tanker trucks are allowed to load or offload petroleum products. Trucks without valid certificates will be barred from operations.

Mr Nkobeni urged petroleum transporters to immediately verify that all tanker trucks under their ownership or control are certified and fully compliant. He emphasized that during inspections at loading and off-loading points, trucks must not transport fuel quantities that exceed or fall below the compartment capacities stated on their Metrology Certificates.

The directive, he said, is aimed at Ensuring accurate fuel measurement, protecting consumers from unfair practices and Promoting fairness and transparency in petroleum distribution

The Agency will soon commence a nationwide inspection and enforcement programme to monitor compliance. Transporters found in contravention of the law will face enforcement action, including possible prosecution.