By Shongedzai Mugwagwa

Following intermittent supplies of fuel in the country which has seen the recurrence of winding long queues in search of the precious liquid, Minister of Energy and Power Development, Dr Joram Gumbo has jetted to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) for negotiations over the supply of the scarce commodity.

UAE is known for oil in its vast deserts and recently, it announced that it will be opening a Mission in Zimbabwe.

On the backdrop of international ties being resuscitated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Government, the Minister of Energy saw it prudent to extend negotiations with the oil rich Gulf nation to rescue the country.

The Zimbabwean Government and UAE signed agreements to enhance bilateral co-operation as the new political administration takes international engagement and economic partnerships a gear up.

Minster Gumbo told The Harare Post that his visit is meant to bring sanity to the energy sector in Zimbabwe especially in the fuel sector which has seen winding queues becoming an eyesore in the country.

He acknowledged that the situation was dire and bemoaned the unavailability of foreign currency to alleviate the fuel supplies in the country.

“I urge motorists to remain calm and desist from hording fuel. I am very confident that the visit to the Gulf will strike a better deal for the country in alleviating the fuel situation in the country,” he said.

Minister Gumbo, however, lamented the unscrupulous elements that are in the habit of hoarding fuel from service stations thereby distorting the consumption rate in the country.

“One day l made an unannounced visit to various fuelling stations in Harare and l noticed one unroadworthy vehicle receiving a full tank and l developed an interest. To my surprise, when leaving the pump, the car was being pushed. I suspected foul play and to my hunch, the car had no engine at all,” he said.