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'Greed, not Iran war': Masarira blames elites for Zimbabwe's fuel crisis
11 hrs ago |
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LEAD president Linda Tsungirirai Masarira has dismissed claims that Zimbabwe's latest fuel price hikes were triggered by the conflict in Iran, insisting instead that the increases are being driven by greed within the country.
"The fuel prices in Zimbabwe are not caused by the USA, Israel–Iran war. They are caused by greedy people among us," Masarira said.
She questioned why ethanol — a by‑product of sugar production — is being sold at US$1.10 per litre, arguing that it should be far cheaper than imported petrol.
“Billy Rautenbach needs to explain how ethanol, which is a waste product from sugar production, gets to US$1.10 per litre. Ethanol is not made from crude oil. It is produced locally, and blending fuel is meant to reduce carbon dioxide and increase quantity, lowering the price of fuel. But in Zimbabwe, ethanol is now costing more than imported petrol,” she said.
Masarira accused Rautenbach of driving inflation and worsening the suffering of ordinary citizens.
“Transport prices went up and so will goods and services. This must be stopped as soon as possible,” she said.
Government last week increased fuel prices, with petrol now pegged at US$2.17 per litre and diesel at US$2.05 per litre.
Zimbabwe currently has the second‑highest fuel prices in Africa, with Malawi topping the list.
"The fuel prices in Zimbabwe are not caused by the USA, Israel–Iran war. They are caused by greedy people among us," Masarira said.
She questioned why ethanol — a by‑product of sugar production — is being sold at US$1.10 per litre, arguing that it should be far cheaper than imported petrol.
“Billy Rautenbach needs to explain how ethanol, which is a waste product from sugar production, gets to US$1.10 per litre. Ethanol is not made from crude oil. It is produced locally, and blending fuel is meant to reduce carbon dioxide and increase quantity, lowering the price of fuel. But in Zimbabwe, ethanol is now costing more than imported petrol,” she said.
“Transport prices went up and so will goods and services. This must be stopped as soon as possible,” she said.
Government last week increased fuel prices, with petrol now pegged at US$2.17 per litre and diesel at US$2.05 per litre.
Zimbabwe currently has the second‑highest fuel prices in Africa, with Malawi topping the list.
Source - Byo24news
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