Fuel Prices in Zimbabwe: Petrol And Diesel

The fuel industry in Zimbabwe operates as a near oligopoly, dominated by a few major players who handle the importation and distribution of petroleum products across the country. This concentration of market power shapes how fuel is priced and sold.

Each month, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) announces the official fuel prices. It’s important to note that these are ceiling prices—the maximum price that service stations are legally allowed to charge. Retailers can sell at or below this price, but not above it.

A significant factor contributing to Zimbabwe’s relatively high fuel costs compared to other SADC countries is the substantial government duty and taxes levied on imported petrol and diesel. These expenses form a major component of the final pump price.

Since the widespread adoption of selling fuel exclusively in United States Dollars (USD), the country has experienced consistent supply, and the once-common shortages have been largely eliminated. Below are the current ZERA-approved prices per litre.

Understanding Fuel Transactions: USD vs. ZiG

While the government officially encourages service stations to offer fuel in both United States Dollars (USD) and the local currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), the practical reality is that most fuel retailers exclusively accept foreign currency for transactions.

Bulk Fuel Orders (Over 10,000 Litres)

For businesses and individuals requiring bulk fuel purchases, the following indicative prices apply:

• Petrol (Blend): US$1.89 per litre
• Diesel 50: US$1.89 per litre

Historical Fuel Price Trends in Zimbabwe

Review the price fluctuations of petrol and diesel in Zimbabwe over the past three months to understand market trends. The table below provides a historical overview of ZERA-approved prices.