By Henry Kyambalesa
I wish to comment on plans by Energy and Water Development Minister Kenneth Konga to “introduce uniform prices for oil products throughout Zambia to ensure equity among consumers regardless of their geographical location,” as reported in a recent Times of Zambia article entitled “Government to Introduce Uniform Fuel Prices.”
If by “uniform prices” the Minister means “uniform retail prices,” then I am afraid this would not be a good idea as it would lead to price controls by the government.
One of the essential elements of the economic liberalization program that we embarked on upon the defeat of the UNIP administration and its regime of price controls and state monopoly in commerce and industry was the idea of competition, which, in Economics, actually refers to price competition in contrast to non-price competition involving advertising and other sales-getting tools.
Competition provides the incentive for business entities to operate more efficiently in order to reduce costs and prices, and benefits consumers in a variety of ways. Among other things, it leads to lower prices when businesses are discouraged by law from charging uniform prices for similar (or substitute) products. Moreover, it can reduce the smuggling of products whose government-controlled prices are below those obtaining in neighboring countries.
Besides, competition generally cures the problem of black markets since it entices suppliers to increase their outputs in order to benefit from economies of scale, thereby resolving the problem of commodity shortages which can bolster black marketeering in a country’s economy. In this regard, I am often reminded of the words of Murray Sanderson, which I wish to quote from a paper entitled “The Remedies for Black Marketeering and Smuggling” presented at a seminar held at Baluba River Motel between August 26 and 27, 1989:
“Price controls have the effect of discouraging supply while encouraging demand. The inevitable result is scarcity of commodities; and when there is scarcity, you always get people who buy up commodities wherever they can and resell them on the black market. In Zambia, we call them ‘black marketeers’. It is a useful term, for it puts the blame upon them rather than the authorities.”
Under a regime of price controls, there are certain arrangements which suppliers may resort to in an effort to maximize income (or minimize costs) which would tend to have adverse effects on the economic welfare of citizens.
Examples of such arrangements include the following:
(a) discontinuing the production or sale of affected commodities;
(b) restricting or reducing the quantity and quality of affected commodities;
(c) smuggling of affected commodities to countries where prices are higher than controlled prices obtaining in the domestic market;
(d) restricting or abandoning attendant marketing services, such as delivery service;
(e) imposing conditional sales on consumers, such as tying contracts;
(f) engaging in speculation in the controlled commodity.
There are several important elements which suppliers take into account when making pricing decisions other than transportation and storage costs; they include costs relating to labor, insurance, advertising, buildings, and contributions to host communities. These costs may not necessarily be the same among the retailers of oil products in Zambia. Also, the returns on investment expected by oil retailers are not likely to be the same. The idea of uniform retail prices for oil products is, therefore, uncalled-for.
Excellent observations. But the MMD government has no plan- just bickering- it has to go come 2011
I’m impressed with the growing contributions on economic issues affecting our nation. We may not all be economists like Henry but we can learn a lot from such articles. And the more we show interest in our economy, the more we question the policies, the more the government shall be forced to remain true to the principles of social responsibilty.
Price controls are always the quick fix for governments. The problem is that they distort demand and supply in a way that does not lead to long term solutions. The only proper response to a shortage in supply or high demand is to *increase production*. That could mean:
1) Eliminating political interference with INDENI
2) Creating multiple Indeni’s
3) Getting off fossile fuel, and replacing it with biofuels, wind and solar energy.
The technology exists, it only takes the political will to invest in it.
I have said it before, but I think the very concept of privatisation is allowing politicians to be rewarded for non-performance. Why invest, when you can run down Indeni, get rewarded for massive fuel importation contracts, and then collect even more money privatising Indeni?
The nation needs protection from greedy bands of plunderers who have a strangle hold on essential supplies. Like why zambia remains the most expensive place to fly to in Africa. Because greedy middle men have a stranglehold on aviation fuel. Mark odonnel who is something to do with the manufactruring sector complained recently about this issue. Even ownres of filling stations form cartels and fleece the common man. were will you go if the next filling station is accross town ?. Or if it is the only filling station in town charging abnormally ?. The pipo need protection. Zambias infrastructure is not developed enough to leave consumers to the mercy of gangs of maurading cartels most times involving ministers. even in he west there is some form of Goverment intervention in controlling prices
I also do not agree with price controls. However the problem with fuel in Zambia is on supply. What must be done is privatization of indeni and opening up the borders to other sources of fuel. What I mean is allowing private companies like BP and Caltex to import fuel from e.g Botswana (duty free) and also allowing INDENI (privately owned of course) to supply other countries e.g Malawi (duty free) with fuel.
What can happen is if Indeni has shortages, Private companies can import from other nations and if Indeni has surpluses, it can export to other nations. The importing and exporting of the fuel must be done in a duty free environment to enhance competition. This is a SADC/COMESA integrated system that can work.
Nine Chale, I just wanted to say congratulations for winning the LT award.
Many thanks Mr. Capitalist, I appreciate your gesture.