LUSAKA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government said Thursday that it is stepping up efforts to secure alternative sources of petroleum products as part of measures to diversify supply chains amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, where the country sources much of its fuel.

Ephraim Munshifwa, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Energy, said the move is intended to cushion the country against possible shortages of petroleum products if geopolitical tensions in the Middle East persist.

"The Ministry of Energy will continue to closely monitor global developments and implement appropriate interventions to safeguard Zambia's energy security and protect consumers," he said in a statement.

According to him, the government has also started rehabilitating three strategic petroleum storage depots in three provinces, with a combined capacity of 20 million liters, in addition to the existing two storage facilities.

He said the government has introduced targeted measures to safeguard national energy security and shield consumers from adverse price shocks.

Munshifwa, however, said that Zambia's fuel supply remains stable, with adequate stocks to meet national demand.

According to government figures, as of March 19, total available diesel stocks, including inland reserves and stocks in transit, stood at 285 million liters, representing 56 days of cover, while petrol stocks stood at 40 million liters, equivalent to 23 days of national cover. ■