Fuel Price Hike Exerts Pressure on Struggling Zimbabweans as Government Cites “Good Faith” – Eduzim News

By A Correspondent – The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has increased fuel prices, effective from 4 March 2026, putting further strain on already struggling consumers.

Diesel now sells at US$1.77 per litre, up from US$1.52, while petrol has risen to US$1.71 per litre, from US$1.56. ZERA said the new prices would have been even higher—US$1.90 for diesel and US$1.81 for petrol—if the Government had not intervened to cushion consumers.

“The petroleum prices are with immediate effect from 4 March 2026 for the next two weeks,” ZERA stated, assuring the public that it will continue to monitor market developments to ensure fuel availability.

Officials said the Government is trying to justify the price adjustment as a measure of good faith to protect consumers from the full impact of international price surges.

“The above prices are as a result of Government reducing some of its charges to cushion the consumers from astronomical increases that have happened from changes in the international market,” ZERA said.

“Without Government cushioning, the actual prices would have been US$1.90 per litre for diesel and US$1.81 per litre for blend,” the regulator added.
The increase comes amid rising global oil prices triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Recent military actions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have heightened fears of supply disruptions in the region, pushing up benchmark crude prices, including Brent crude.

Zimbabwe, which depends heavily on imported fuel, has been directly affected by these global price movements, leaving motorists and businesses grappling with the higher costs.

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