Zimbabwe’s Fuel Costs Defy Global Trends, Stay Among Africa’s Highest
Zimbabwe remains one of Africa’s most expensive fuel markets, despite a minor adjustment announced this month by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA).
Petrol dropped slightly from US$1.56 per litre in August to US$1.55 in September, while diesel remained unchanged at US$1.55.
This marginal drop comes amid easing global oil prices, driven by increased production and rising inventories.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts Brent crude to fall to around US$58 per barrel by late 2025.
Despite this downward trend, Zimbabwean motorists continue to pay well above the global average of US$1.29 per litre, placing the country among the highest fuel price zones on the continent.
Analysts attribute the persistently high costs to a combination of taxes, levies, and a mandatory 20% ethanol blend with the ethanol component alone adding more than US$1.10 to the price of petrol.
According to Bulawayo24, Zimbabwe’s government has opted not to subsidize fuel, unlike countries such as Nigeria and Angola where state support helps cushion consumers from global price shocks.
While the policy may help preserve fiscal stability, it continues to strain household budgets and transport operations.
Rising fuel costs are pushing up fares and inflating the cost of moving goods across the country.
Experts warn that without structural reforms or targeted relief, Zimbabwe’s fuel market will remain among the most expensive in Africa and for many, relief at the pump remains a distant hope.
