Zimbabweans React As Fuel Prices Shoot Up: ZERA Blames Iran War, Insists Petrol Is Supposed To Be US$1.90 Per Litre

Fury In Zimbabwe As ZERA Insists Fuel Should Cost US$1.90 Per Litre

HARARE – Furious Zimbabweans have taken to social media to vent their anger after the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) dropped a bombshell, hiking fuel prices with immediate effect while blaming the ongoing war in Iran and revealing that without government intervention, motorists would be forking out a staggering US$1.90 per litre for petrol.

The new prices, announced with immediate effect on 4 March 2026, have seen diesel jump by 25 cents to US$1.77 (approximately R33.11) per litre and petrol blend (E5) rise by 15 cents to US$1.71 (approximately R31.98) per litre.

ZERA blamed the increases on the escalating conflict in Iran, which is wreaking havoc on global supply chains and sending international oil prices soaring. However, the regulator admitted that the actual market price is even more terrifying. In a statement, ZERA explained that the government had to step in and reduce some of its charges to prevent an even more catastrophic hike.

“The above prices are as a result of Government reducing some of its charges to cushion the consumers from astronomical increases that have happened from changes in the international market,” the authority stated.

Without this intervention, ZERA insisted that the true cost of petrol would be an eye-watering US$1.90 per litre, with diesel reaching US$1.81.

‘The Thieves Have Gotten The Opportunity’

The news has sparked a firestorm of criticism online, with many Zimbabweans accusing the government of using the international conflict as a smokescreen to line their own pockets. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments from citizens who are deeply sceptical of the explanation.

User @Coelho19741120 didn’t mince words, posting:

“The thieves have gotten the opportunity to exorbitantly increase prices, vedu [our friends]!”

This sentiment was echoed by @schucky94, who questioned the timing and motive, saying

“Munenge makatotaimira ka ma excuse ekutora mari, where else has fuel prices gone up?” [You must have been waiting for excuses to take more money].

Others pointed to the absurdity of including the local-currency price, given that fuel is almost exclusively sold in US dollars. Tich Ray slammed the authorities on X, writing:

“The audacity to even include the ZWG price when no one has ever paid for fuel in RTGS/Bond/ZiG in forever even at govt agencies themselves, CMED and Petrotrade. Not even xenophobic South Africans HATE Zimbabwean citizens more than the govt of #Zimbabwe itself. SMITH AIVA NANI!”

‘These Prices Will Never Come Down’

A deep sense of resignation and cynicism is palpable among consumers, who have lived through decades of economic turmoil. Many believe this price hike is permanent, regardless of what happens to global oil prices in the future.

Kudakwashe Shephard Tembo captured this bleak outlook perfectly, tweeting:

“These prices in Zimbabwe will never come down ever again. Even if prices return to pre conflict levels. We are now old hands at ruthless exploitation.”

Others looked for regional solutions, questioning why Zimbabwe doesn’t source fuel from within Africa. Rangano Chanhanga advised:

“Angola, Egypt and Nigeria have fuel. Don’t worry about international markets. Buy in Africa.”

Some users pointed to divine intervention, with TINASHE NYAMUKAPA claiming a small miracle:

“At least for now I have a full tank based on the old price. It’s short term relief for me I know but on Tuesday the Lord led me to fill up the tank. It’s those small miracles but he had warned me that son there is a storm coming.”

TM Dube highlighted the role of local taxes in the high prices, stating:

“Ironically, our fuel is the most expensive in the region because of gvt taxes, shame.”

User @deetwander simply summed up the national mood with a sense of shock at the speed of the increase:

“that was very fast ehh.”

Others like @Mr_Manyau saw the writing on the wall, commenting:

“Saw this coming but what a awful statement.”

The price hike has also sparked dark humour, with users like @Blaz ve Castle asking:

“Totenga kupi nema zig titoenda ikoko nekuchimbidza” [Where can we buy with zig [ZiG], let’s go there quickly],

sarcastically calling out the impracticality of the local currency price.

As the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global oil shipments, Zimbabwean motorists are left grappling with the reality of paying near US$2 for fuel, with little hope of relief in sight.