Zambians Fear Petrol Rationing

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30916, 24 November 1965, Page 21

Zambians Fear Petrol Rationing

(N.Z.P.A. Reuter—Copyright)

LUSKA, Nov. 23.

Motorists flocked to petrol stations in Lusaka to stock up last night after learning that Zambia is considering petrol rationing because of the Rhodesian situation.

The Government asked oil, companies to cut deliveries to retailers by 15 per cent to conserve supplies. Zambia receives almost all its petrol through neighbouring Rhodesia.

But if these supplies are cut off, the major oil companies are planning an airlift, according to informed sources in Nairobi. Of all African countries Zambia is by far the most vulnerable to any backlash from economic sanctions imposed on Rhodesia. No decision on rationing has been taken yet. The Zambian Government is under heavy conflicting pressures. and President

Kaunda said last week he felt “very guilty” about continuing to trade with Rhodesia. Zambia’s copper production at present passes through Rbodesia, and Zambia is also dependent on Rhodesia for coal supplies.

The Iranian Government yesterday banned the export of oil products to Rhodesia. The Prime Minister, Amir Abbas Hoveida, said in Teheran, that the National Iranian Oil Company had been instructed to stop the supply through all channels.