Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has announced a drop in the price of diesel and a slight increase in petrol blend in their price review for June.

In a press statement, the regulator said consumers will have to pay $1.61 per litre or Zig 21.24 for diesel from $1.66 or ZiG 22.24 per litre in May while petrol now cost $1.59 or ZiG 21.19 per litre from $1.58 or ZiG 21.15 per litre, effective 04 June 2024.

The regulator also advised the public and operators that blending ratio remains at E20

“Operators may sell the petroleum products below the prescribed prices depending on their trading advantages and should display prices in a prominent place, as provided for by the fuel pricing regulations,” ZERA said.

This publication contacted ZERA for a comment on the implications of this review, but by time of going for publication, this publication had not yet received an email from the Energy Authority.

However, Donald Rupira, a Harare business owner expressed optimism in the economy as he noted that the significant reduction in diesel would result in a significant decrease in transport fares.

“We are very excited with the decrease in diesel prices, this will boost our business and significantly reduce transport cost for both businesses and the public, we are very confident that the Government is working tirelessly to improve the economic situation in Zimbabwe,” Rupira said.

Moreover, the public expressed disgruntlement at drivers who will failed to reduce their transport fares despite the diesel price decrease.

“Drivers do not want to consider reviewing their fares even when diesel has decreased in price, however we are very happy with the price decrease in fuel,” a traveller noted.

Meanwhile, the decrease in diesel comes at a time when the Government has committed itself to supporting wheat farmers. This has a positive impact to the winter wheat program.