Zimbabwe targets E20 fuel blending

The Zimbabwean Government is moving to ramp up ethanol production to sustain an E20 fuel blending ratio throughout the year, a strategy expected to significantly reduce the national fuel import bill and lower pump prices by up to 18 cents per litre.

Currently, the country operates at an E5 blending ratio, largely due to seasonal limitations in sugarcane crushing capacity, which constrains ethanol output.

Fuel prices surged earlier this week amid tightening global supplies linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, adding urgency to efforts to strengthen domestic energy resilience.

Speaking during a tour of GreenFuel Pvt Ltd in Chisumbanje on Thursday, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga reaffirmed Government's commitment to scaling up ethanol production as a buffer against external shocks.

"These are the discussions that we had this morning. Since their establishment during the First Republic, they have developed so much. They have modified and improved their mills, and that means they are now going to crush more sugarcane," he said.

Chiwenga noted that GreenFuel's current 40 million-litre storage capacity, coupled with planned expansion projects, positions the company to significantly increase ethanol output.

He added that Government is working closely with the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, led by July Moyo, to facilitate expansion and improve ease of doing business for investors in the sector.

"We have asked them to coordinate with other producers, such as Tongaat Hulett, to increase ethanol production. This is Zimbabwe's direction — we want to sustain ourselves amidst current challenges," Chiwenga said.

The Vice President also revealed plans to expand sugarcane production beyond traditional growing areas to secure adequate raw materials for ethanol manufacturing.

"We will explore ways to increase sugarcane production in areas like Zambezi, Runde, and others with potential," he added.

In a separate interview, GreenFuel general manager Conrad Rautenbach said the company is targeting an expansion of its ethanol storage capacity to 120 million litres annually.

He noted that achieving an E20 blending ratio could deliver tangible cost savings for consumers.

"If there was an E20 blending ratio now, there would be a saving of 18 cents, and that will be quite significant," Rautenbach said.

He added that the company has been investing in expanding sugarcane production, upgrading factory capacity, and increasing storage infrastructure to meet future demand.

The push towards higher ethanol blending is part of broader efforts by Government to reduce reliance on imported fuel, stabilise prices, and enhance energy security in the face of volatile global markets.