ENERGY Expert Dr Johnstone Chikwanda says consumers must brace for difficult times, unless there is a de-escalation in the underlying shocks in oil prices on the global market. On September 22, oil prices hit US$93.75 per barrel according to the Zambia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (ZEITI). In a statement, Saturday, Dr Chikwanda said the continued conflict between Russia and Ukraine posed a significant threat to fuel prices, regardless of the country’s local currency’s status. “As we head towards 2024, there is need to acknowledge the formidable challenges the global fuel markets are experiencing and the cascading impacts on oil importing countries. The situation is expected to intensify, hence the need for consumers to brace for difficult times unless there is...