Zimbabwe tightens fuel imports

Motorists across Zimbabwe are facing growing frustration at border posts following the enforcement of Statutory Instrument 59 of 2026, which now requires an import licence to bring even a single jerrycan of fuel into the country.

The move comes against a backdrop of rising fuel prices, with petrol now averaging US$2.19 per litre and diesel US$2.05—among the highest in the Southern African region. As a result, many motorists had increasingly turned to refuelling in neighbouring towns such as Francistown, Musina and Livingstone, where prices are significantly lower.

At the heart of the issue is the structure of Zimbabwe's fuel pricing. A substantial portion of the pump price—estimated at around 86 cents per litre - consists of taxes and levies. By tightening controls on informal fuel imports, authorities are effectively closing off alternative supply routes that had allowed consumers to bypass these costs.

While the government has framed the measure as a matter of safety and regulatory compliance, analysts say it also reflects efforts to protect fiscal revenues in an environment of increasing economic pressure.

However, the policy is already feeding into broader inflation concerns. Fuel is a key input cost across the economy, particularly in transport and logistics. Rising fuel costs are being passed on to consumers, with basic commodities such as bread and public transport fares already showing upward pressure.

Operators in the transport sector warn that higher costs could reduce the number of vehicles on the road, particularly commuter omnibuses, further affecting mobility and pricing across urban centres.

Globally, some governments have responded to high oil prices by cutting fuel taxes to cushion consumers. In contrast, Zimbabwe's approach has been to tighten enforcement to ensure that all fuel consumed within its borders is subject to existing tax structures.

Economists caution that while protecting revenue is important, sustained high input costs could dampen economic activity. If not balanced carefully, the combination of rising prices and constrained consumer spending may increase the risk of a cost-driven slowdown in the months ahead.

The situation highlights the delicate balance between fiscal stability and affordability, as policymakers navigate competing pressures in a challenging economic environment.