Business Correspondent
Motorists across the country face a renewed squeeze at the pump after the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) increased petrol prices, pushing the retail cost of E20 petrol closer to the US$2 mark.
Under the new price review, which came into effect on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the maximum retail price for E20 blend petrol rose by 3 US cents, from US$1.96 to US$1.99 per litre.
For consumers paying in local currency, the price of petrol increased from ZWG52.34 to ZWG53.06 per litre.
While petrol buyers absorb the latest increase, diesel users received a brief reprieve, with ZERA maintaining the maximum diesel price at US$1.95 per litre.
However, the local-currency equivalent for diesel rose slightly from ZWG51.98 to ZWG52.10 per litre due to prevailing exchange-rate movements.
The energy regulator said existing Government policy interventions remain in place to shield domestic consumers from severe volatility on international energy markets.
Global crude oil supply routes continue to face pressure from geopolitical tensions, pushing up procurement costs for landlocked fuel-importing countries across the region.
ZERA reiterated that the mandatory national blending ratio remains fixed at E20 and reminded fuel operators that the announced prices represent maximum retail ceilings rather than mandatory fixed rates.
Retailers with logistical advantages may sell fuel below the stipulated maximum prices, provided all prices are clearly displayed on pump gantries in accordance with national trade regulations.
