Fuel Prices Rise in Zimbabwe as Global Oil Costs Climb

By Desmond Nleya

Zimbabwean motorists are facing another increase in fuel costs after the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) announced higher pump prices for March.

Under the new pricing structure, diesel is now selling at US$1.77 per litre, while petrol (blend) is priced at US$1.71 per litre. The revised tariffs came into effect on 4 March 2026 and will remain in place for a two-week review period.

ZERA explains price adjustment

In a statement, ZERA said the latest adjustments were driven by sharp movements on international oil markets. The regulator added that authorities had reduced some government-related charges to soften the impact on consumers.

According to ZERA, without these interventions diesel would be selling at **US$1.90 per litre**, while petrol would cost around **US$1.81 per litre**.

The authority also indicated it would continue monitoring global fuel prices and local supply conditions to ensure adequate availability across the country.

Global tensions pushing oil prices higher

Analysts say the latest increase reflects volatility in global energy markets, partly linked to geopolitical tensions involving **Israel** and **Iran**, which have raised concerns about stability along key oil supply routes.

Zimbabwe relies entirely on imported fuel, making domestic pump prices highly sensitive to international crude oil fluctuations. As a result, changes in global markets are often quickly reflected at local service stations.

Impact on transport and the cost of living

The price hike is expected to affect several sectors of the economy. Transport operators, farmers and small businesses are likely to face higher operating costs, which could translate into increased transport fares and rising prices for goods and services.

Economists caution that fuel price increases often contribute to inflation, particularly through higher food and transport costs. Rural communities and businesses dependent on generators or long-distance transport are expected to feel the impact most.

For many motorists, the latest increase adds to mounting pressure on household budgets as the gap between wages and essential expenses continues to widen.