Let us talk like normal people, not economists. There is tension and conflict in the Middle East, and some people are saying, “That is far, it has nothing to do with us.” Meanwhile, fuel prices start behaving like they had drunk strong coffee. The truth is simple that region controls a big part of the world’s oil routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz. When things go wrong there, oil supply shakes. When oil supply shakes, prices rise. And when prices rise, your bus fare, your mealie meal transport, even your weekend plans start negotiating with your wallet. It is like your neighbour’s kitchen catching fire and suddenly your house smells like burnt nshima. You didn’t start the fire, but you are definitely inhaling the consequences.
Now here comes the part where Common Sense scratches its head. Some people see these global shocks and immediately shout, “Boma! Explain!” My friend explain what exactly? Should Zambia send a WhatsApp voice note to stop a war? Should we forward a “Please cease fire” message and expect blue ticks? Even big economies are feeling the pressure from these conflicts. So before we start pointing fingers like referees at a football match, let us understand that not every price increase is cooked locally. Some of it is imported, like those expensive sneakers people like to wear.
Let’s make it even simpler. Imagine you run a small kantemba. Business is moving well. Then one day your supplier calls and says, “Boss, prices have gone up because of issues outside.” You adjust. You try to survive. That does not mean you have suddenly become a bad businessperson. It means the environment has changed. Zambia has been working to stabilise things, but when global supply chains are disturbed, even the most organised systems feel the heat. This is not about excuses. It is about understanding how the world is connected.
So when some people confidently blame Boma for everything, Common Sense just smiles a little and asks, gently, “Ba boss are we thinking together here?” Because we can all see there is a global conflict affecting oil and prices everywhere. Even countries with stronger currencies are adjusting. The correct response is not shouting like you have just discovered WiFi for the first time. It is understanding, patience, and paying attention to what is actually happening.
The Office of Common Sense says this Zambia is moving forward, but the world around it also matters. When global storms rise, even strong boats will feel the waves. The goal is not to pretend the waves are not there. The goal is to steer wisely. So next time fuel prices rise and you feel like blaming someone immediately, just remember sometimes the problem started thousands of kilometres away, but unfortunately, it still found your pocket.
