The United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) says government’s continued use of middlemen in the procurement of crude oil is depriving Zambians the benefits of having cheap and affordable fuel.

UPPZ President Charles Chanda says he is worried that the sharp increase in fuel prices announced by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) will be detrimental to the cost of living for the ordinary citizens.

Mr. Chanda says this will trigger an increase in the cost of essential commodities.

He has called on the government to cut off middlemen in the procurement of crude oil to save on unnecessary expenditure.

Mr. Chanda has also demanded for an explanation on what happened to the US$20 million worth of Saudi oil which people were made to understand that it would be cheaper.

He says Zambians have not been given a price that represents cheap oil, hence the need for an explanation from government.