News / National
Zimbabwe fuel prices risk protests
4 hrs ago |
402 Views
Zimbabwe has reviewed fuel prices for the second time this month, with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) attributing the increase to rising global oil prices driven by ongoing supply chain disruptions linked to the Iran–Israel–United States conflict.
In its latest March 2026 pricing update, ZERriskA set the price of diesel at US$2.05 per litre and petrol (Blend E5) at US$2.17 per litre, equivalent to ZWG52.19 and ZWG55.13 respectively.
The regulator said the adjustments were necessary to reflect mounting international cost pressures while ensuring continued fuel availability in the country.
"While Government ensures security of fuel supply, ZERA notes that cost pressures are piling up and these require that prices be reviewed for two weeks to avoid fuel shortages and arbitrage," the authority said.
The latest increase comes amid global oil disruptions caused by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have constrained supply routes and pushed up import costs for fuel-importing countries like Zimbabwe.
Despite the price hikes, ZERA assured the public that fuel supplies remain stable, with adequate stock levels in the system.
"Government notifies stakeholders that there are enough stocks of petroleum products… with more than three months' supply cover," ZERA said, adding that fuel is being supplied through ports such as Beira as well as inland storage facilities.
Authorities are also working to diversify supply routes to reduce reliance on affected shipping corridors.
In a bid to ease supply challenges, the Government has approved the importation of diesel by road with immediate effect, supplementing existing pipeline and rail transport systems.
The intervention, ZERA said, is intended to cushion key sectors such as mining, agriculture, transport and logistics from sharper price increases.
"The new price of diesel has been set with a view to mitigate the impact of the increase to the mining, agriculture, haulage services and passenger transport sectors," the regulator said. "Without Government intervention, the price of diesel would have been US$2.20 per litre."
State-owned entities such as PetroTrade and the National Oil Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe (NOIC) are expected to intensify efforts to ensure fair distribution of fuel, particularly to remote areas.
Economists warn that continued fuel price adjustments could have ripple effects across the economy, increasing transport costs and pushing up the prices of goods and services.
As Zimbabwe remains exposed to global energy shocks, authorities say they will continue monitoring international markets and adjust pricing accordingly to maintain supply stability.
In its latest March 2026 pricing update, ZERriskA set the price of diesel at US$2.05 per litre and petrol (Blend E5) at US$2.17 per litre, equivalent to ZWG52.19 and ZWG55.13 respectively.
The regulator said the adjustments were necessary to reflect mounting international cost pressures while ensuring continued fuel availability in the country.
"While Government ensures security of fuel supply, ZERA notes that cost pressures are piling up and these require that prices be reviewed for two weeks to avoid fuel shortages and arbitrage," the authority said.
The latest increase comes amid global oil disruptions caused by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have constrained supply routes and pushed up import costs for fuel-importing countries like Zimbabwe.
Despite the price hikes, ZERA assured the public that fuel supplies remain stable, with adequate stock levels in the system.
"Government notifies stakeholders that there are enough stocks of petroleum products… with more than three months' supply cover," ZERA said, adding that fuel is being supplied through ports such as Beira as well as inland storage facilities.
In a bid to ease supply challenges, the Government has approved the importation of diesel by road with immediate effect, supplementing existing pipeline and rail transport systems.
The intervention, ZERA said, is intended to cushion key sectors such as mining, agriculture, transport and logistics from sharper price increases.
"The new price of diesel has been set with a view to mitigate the impact of the increase to the mining, agriculture, haulage services and passenger transport sectors," the regulator said. "Without Government intervention, the price of diesel would have been US$2.20 per litre."
State-owned entities such as PetroTrade and the National Oil Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe (NOIC) are expected to intensify efforts to ensure fair distribution of fuel, particularly to remote areas.
Economists warn that continued fuel price adjustments could have ripple effects across the economy, increasing transport costs and pushing up the prices of goods and services.
As Zimbabwe remains exposed to global energy shocks, authorities say they will continue monitoring international markets and adjust pricing accordingly to maintain supply stability.
Source - The Chronicle
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
