Fuel Trucks Forced Out Of Zimbabwe After ZIMRA Imposed Duty On Transits – Eduzim News

Harare, Zimbabwe – December 5, 2024

By A Correspondent | Zimbabwean truck drivers, particularly those operating fuel tankers, have raised urgent concerns over a new fuel transit system that has significantly affected their livelihoods. According to the drivers, the system, introduced close to three months ago, requires all fuel trucks in transit to pay duty, a measure they claim has left them without work as foreign trucks now dominate the sector.

Speaking on behalf of affected drivers, the group explained that this system has made it unviable for Zimbabwean fuel trucks to compete, as fuel transportation is increasingly being handled by trucks from neighboring countries such as Zambia, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“We no longer have jobs as Zimbabwean truck drivers. The tankers transporting fuel now belong to Zambia, Mozambique, and the DRC. We are pleading with the government, especially Minister Mthuli Ncube, to address our concerns,” said a representative of the drivers.

The drivers reported that prior to the implementation of this system, they were actively involved in transporting fuel within and through Zimbabwe. However, since the changes, foreign truckers have opted to use alternative routes, bypassing Zimbabwe entirely. Trucks transporting fuel from South Africa now favor the Botswana route, while those coming from Beira opt for Mozambique’s Zambia-Tete corridor.

“This has been happening for close to three months now. Trucks from South Africa avoid Zimbabwe, and those from Beira are using Mozambique routes instead. This new system has left us with nothing,” the drivers lamented.

The truckers are appealing for urgent intervention from the government, requesting that policies be reviewed to create a fair playing field for Zimbabwean transporters. They fear that without immediate action, local truck drivers will be completely displaced from the industry.

Efforts to reach Minister Mthuli Ncube for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

This development has sparked broader questions about the impact of policy decisions on local industries and the need to balance government revenue measures with protecting domestic employment opportunities.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

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