Zimbabwe’s fuel regulator, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), has announced a fresh increase in fuel prices while highlighting government efforts to shield consumers from the full impact of ongoing global oil market disruptions linked to the Iran conflict.
In its latest March 2026 review, ZERA set the maximum pump price of diesel at US$2.05 per litre and blend (petrol) at US$2.17 per litre, up from US$1.77 and US$1.71 respectively announced two weeks ago.
In its latest March 2026 review, ZERA set the maximum pump price of diesel at US$2.05 per litre and blend (petrol) at US$2.17 per litre, up from US$1.77 and US$1.71 respectively announced two weeks ago.
However, authorities stressed that prices could have been significantly higher without intervention.
“Government will endeavour to keep the price of diesel lower than what it ought to be. Without Government intervention, the price of diesel would have been US$2.20 per litre,” ZERA said in a statement.
“Government will endeavour to keep the price of diesel lower than what it ought to be. Without Government intervention, the price of diesel would have been US$2.20 per litre,” ZERA said in a statement.
The regulator indicated that Zimbabwe currently has sufficient fuel reserves, seeking to reassure the market amid ongoing global uncertainty.
“Government notifies stakeholders that there are enough stocks of petroleum products in the supply chain… with more than three months’ supply cover,” the statement noted, citing supplies from Beira and inland storage facilities.
The latest adjustments come as Zimbabwe continues to feel the effects of global supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict, which has strained shipping routes and driven up international oil prices. As a fully import-dependent country, Zimbabwe remains vulnerable to such external shocks.
The latest adjustments come as Zimbabwe continues to feel the effects of global supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict, which has strained shipping routes and driven up international oil prices. As a fully import-dependent country, Zimbabwe remains vulnerable to such external shocks.
In response, authorities are actively diversifying supply routes to ensure consistent availability of fuel.
“Working with oil traders, the Government is opening up supply routes not affected by the current conflict in the Middle East,” ZERA said.
“Working with oil traders, the Government is opening up supply routes not affected by the current conflict in the Middle East,” ZERA said.
In a further move aimed at strengthening supply resilience, the government has expanded import options.
“As a way to open up other avenues for the importation of diesel, Government has, with immediate effect, approved the importation of diesel by road, in addition to pipeline and rail,” the statement added.
ZERA acknowledged that pricing pressures remain elevated due to conditions in global markets.
Cost pressures are piling up and these require that prices be reviewed for two weeks to avoid fuel shortages and arbitrage,” the authority said, reaffirming its short review cycle.
Cost pressures are piling up and these require that prices be reviewed for two weeks to avoid fuel shortages and arbitrage,” the authority said, reaffirming its short review cycle.
Officials also emphasized efforts to ensure nationwide access to fuel, particularly in remote regions. Government, working through companies such as Petrotrade and NOCZIM, aims to ensure that all fuel imported into the country is distributed efficiently.
While the increases are less steep than earlier adjustments, analysts caution that continued volatility in global oil markets could drive further price hikes. With geopolitical tensions unresolved, fuel costs are expected to remain a key inflationary pressure in Zimbabwe’s economy in the near term. – TML