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Fuel Price Hike Exerts Pressure on Struggling Zimbabweans as Government Cites \u201cGood Faith\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
By A Correspondent \u2013 The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has increased fuel prices, effective from 4 March 2026, putting further strain on already struggling consumers.<\/p>\n
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\u2014US$1.90 for diesel and US$1.81 for petrol\u2014if the Government had not intervened to cushion consumers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe petroleum prices are with immediate effect from 4 March 2026 for the next two weeks,\u201d ZERA stated, assuring the public that it will continue to monitor market developments to ensure fuel availability.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d ZERA said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout Government cushioning, the actual prices would have been US$1.90 per litre for diesel and US$1.81 per litre for blend,\u201d the regulator added.
The increase comes amid rising global oil prices triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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