Fuel stations defying Zera price caps

Earlier this month, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) set a maximum petrol price of US$1.57 per litre, aiming to protect consumers amid fluctuating global fuel costs.

While major fuel brands such as Zuva, Engen, Redan, and Total have largely adhered to this ceiling - particularly at high-traffic roadside stations - recent observations suggest some retailers may be exceeding the cap.

On several occasions, certain service stations were found selling petrol at US$1.59 per litre, two cents above the official maximum.

It remains unclear whether this represents a system error or a deliberate attempt to increase profit margins, as ZERA’s price is intended to be the absolute ceiling.

Consumers and watchdogs are calling for closer monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance, warning that even minor deviations can undermine public trust and market fairness.

ZERA has yet to comment on the reports of petrol being sold above the prescribed price.