Another fuel price hike for Zimbabwe

THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, Zera, has announced yet another fuel price increase barely a week after a 22 percent upward review.

The incessant fuel price increase is being attributed to Free On Board, FOB costs which are associated with insurance costs and ensuring that the fuel gets to Zimbabwe within a scheduled time.

Diesel now costs $7,22 from $7,19 while 8 cents has been added to the Petrol blend price, pegging it at $7,55.

In a recent interview with ZTN news ZERA Technical Director Mr Misheck Siyakatshana said fuel players are being consulted at each step.

“FOB prices which are a reflection of the changes in the international fuel prices are continuously increasing and we have to adjust. Fuel players are informed on the pricing template and we consult before any increase,”Mr Siyakatshana said.

As Harare motorists try to adjust to the new fuel prices, they have another challenge facing them – high parking fees. City Park which handles and manages parking spaces in the city, has announced new parking fees. In the inner Central Business District, fees have gone up by 150 percent from $2 to $5 per hour.

In the peripheral spaces surrounding the CBD, parking now costs $3 an hour, up from $1. Driving to work in the capital is becoming tougher
by the day as fuel prices and parking fees keep increasing. Commuters do not have it easy either, as private transport operators continue to chase fuel prices, forcing the travelling public to dig deeper into their pockets.

Hope is anchored on Zupco’s mass public transport system which however has its fair share of problems as it is struggles to cope with commuters in Harare and other major cities.