Park Your Cars Now: Ncube Warns Zimbabweans As Fuel Stays At US$2.23 Petrol And US$2.11 Diesel — Double What Neighbours Pay
Zimbabweans have been told to park their cars and drastically cut back on travel as fuel prices remain stuck at a crippling US$2.23 (approximately R41.35) per litre for petrol and US$2.11 (approximately R39.11) for diesel – almost double what motorists pay in neighbouring countries.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube issued the stark warning at the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings 2026 on 15 April 2026, urging citizens to “rationalise” their fuel use even after his government scrapped all taxes on diesel.
Despite the pain at the pumps, Ncube insisted Zimbabwe’s economy is still on track for five per cent growth and declared inflation will remain stable even if diesel climbs to a jaw-dropping US$2.50 (approximately R46.35).
‘Park Your Cars’ Plea As Zimbabweans Pay Double
The Finance Minister did not sugar-coat his message to struggling motorists who are watching their neighbours enjoy far cheaper fuel. While Zambia pays US$1.42 (approximately R26.35) for petrol and US$1.56 (approximately R28.95) for diesel, and Namibia pays just US$1.20 (approximately R22.89) for petrol, Zimbabweans are forking out nearly double those amounts.
Speaking at the Spring Meetings on 15 April 2026, Ncube delivered a blunt reality check.
“Zimbabweans have been told to park their cars and cut back on travel as fuel prices spiral out of control,” the minister stated, according to ZiFM Stereo News.
Ncube advised citizens to change their daily commuting habits immediately. He suggested that people should “rationalise” their fuel consumption rather than holding out hope for any quick relief on prices.
ZiFM Stereo News reported that Ncube linked the ongoing crisis directly to geopolitical tensions overseas. He argued that Zimbabwe is merely a victim of international forces beyond its control, despite the vast price gap with neighbouring countries that face the same global oil markets.
Zimbabwe Fuel Prices Tower Above Region
Zimbabwe’s fuel prices remain among the highest in the region, widening the gap with neighbouring countries that have introduced similar or stronger relief measures.
This places Zimbabwe’s petrol price at nearly double that of some neighbours, despite facing the same global oil price pressures.
Ncube remains defiant about the future, however. Speaking at the Spring Meetings, he declared that inflation will remain stable even if diesel climbs to US$2.50 (approximately R46.35). Authorities have confirmed that there are enough fuel stocks in the supply chain, with more than three months’ supply cover.
“Government will continue to closely monitor global developments and stands ready to implement further measures, where necessary,” the Ministry stated.
The post Park Your Cars Now: Ncube Warns Zimbabweans As Fuel Stays At US$2.23 — Double What Neighbours Pay appeared first on iHarare News.
