Beer prices spike as shortages bite in Zimbabwe

Zimbabweans are facing sharply rising lager beer prices as supply shortages intensify across multiple parts of the country, defying recent assurances from Delta Beverages that festive season demand would be met.

A recent survey shows that consumers are paying significantly more for popular brands, driven by limited availability, rationing at depots, and increased distribution costs passed on by retailers. Quart bottles of Zambezi are now selling for between US$2.25 and US$2.50, up from the usual US$1.50–US$2.00 range. Castle Lager and Carling Black Label quarts are fetching US$1.75 and US$2.00 respectively, compared to their normal US$1.30–US$1.50 range.

The shortage has been most acute for pint-sized bottles, which are almost unavailable in some outlets. Where stock exists, Castle and Carling Black Label pints now sell for US$0.75–US$1.00, up from the usual US$0.66 (or US$2 for three pints). Zambezi pints generally retail at US$1, with occasional hikes to US$1.25.

Despite these challenges, Delta Beverages insists there is no crisis. Group Finance Director Alex Makamure dismissed claims of panic buying and price hikes, stating that supply remains adequate. "There are some outages of product but no crisis. Operators would normally want a shortage situation to justify upping prices. We are running 15 percent ahead of last year's sales in the same period in December. Zambezi and Carling Black Label are running around 20 percent above. There is no justification for panic or hiking prices," Makamure said.

However, on the ground, Delta Beverages has struggled to consistently supply certain brands, prompting retailers to raise prices. Observers in Bulawayo and Rusape reported acute shortages of Zambezi and Castle Lager, with outlets charging premiums for the limited stock available. In Harare, Castle quarts now sell for around US$1.75 instead of the usual US$1.20–US$1.50, with bars restricted to as few as 10 crates per brand per order.

The shortages are affecting festive travel habits, with some consumers opting to carry their own supplies rather than relying on local purchases. Harare resident Takudzwa Chisahwira lamented, "This might be the worst Christmas of this decade because we are now travelling with cooler boxes of beers, which defeats the essence of local tourism as we are used to buying from retailers along towns and cities we travel through."

In Marondera, avid Castle Lager drinkers face daily inconveniences in sourcing their favourite brands. Shepherd Nyamushonongora said, "At first it was the disappearance of pint-sized bottles, and now I have to go across town to Dombotombo Shops to get hold of Castle Lager." He added that bar owners cited supply restrictions and inconsistent deliveries from Delta as the main challenges.

As the festive season progresses, consumers and bar owners alike are bracing for continued disruptions, with supply inconsistencies likely to keep prices elevated.