Zimbabwe Bans Fuel Jerry Cans At Borders As Petrol Hits US$2.17, Nearly Double Namibia’s Price

Zimbabwe Bans Carrying Fuel From Neighbouring Countries

Zimbabwe has outlawed carrying fuel in jerry cans at all border posts without a licence — a new requirement now strictly enforced. The ban targets motorists bringing petrol and diesel from neighbouring countries, who must now obtain a licence or face penalties. The crackdown comes as Zimbabwean drivers pay US$2.17 (approximately R40.15) per litre for petrol — nearly double Namibia’s price of US$1.20 (approximately R22.89).

New Licence Requirement Shuts Down Cross-Border Fuel Runs

Authorities have introduced a licence requirement for anyone carrying fuel in portable containers at ports of entry. The new rule, now strictly enforced at all borders, means motorists can no longer simply fill jerry cans in neighbouring countries and bring them into Zimbabwe without authorisation.

The Daily News reports that officials introduced the strict controls to shut down the parallel market and improve safety at border posts including Beitbridge.

“Authorities have introduced strict controls on petroleum imports, banning the carrying of fuel in portable containers at borders without a licence in a move to curb the parallel market and enhance safety,” the Daily News reported.

The licence requirement marks a significant shift. Zimbabwean motorists have long taken advantage of cheaper fuel in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, often returning with multiple jerry cans in their vehicles. That practice is now prohibited unless the driver holds a valid licence.

Namibia Cuts Taxes While Zimbabwe Takes 86 Cents Per Litre

On 27 March 2026, Namibia took a dramatically different approach. Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse announced a 50 per cent cut in fuel levies for three months starting 1 April 2026.

“This measure is necessitated due to the high price volatility of petroleum products, which resulted from the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East,” Amutse said.

“The objective is to smooth price volatility and ensure stability in domestic fuel prices,” he added.

Meanwhile, in Zimbabwe, taxes now account for nearly 40 per cent of the petrol price. ZERA’s Fuel Price Build-Up dated 18 March 2026 shows the tax component jumped from US$0.5209 to US$0.857 per litre in just two weeks — a 64.5 per cent increase.

The actual fuel itself costs around US$1.18. Tax now almost equals the cost of the product.

“Pump prices are determined by international product prices, taxes and levies, and distribution margins,” ZERA stated.

Diesel taxes dropped slightly from US$0.442 to US$0.422 during the same period.

Government Turns To Ethanol Blending To Cut Costs

On 24 March 2026, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced plans to increase ethanol blending from E5 to E20 in a bid to bring down prices.

“We’re talking to those who are supplying us with ethanol to increase the blending from 5% to 20% from E5 to E20, and we believe that that alone, in terms of analysis, could reduce the price by as much as US$0.18 (approximately R3.33) or US$0.19 (approximately R3.51) or thereabout,” Ncube said.

The government confirmed it has already used levy reductions to cap diesel prices. Ncube said diesel would have hit US$2.20 (approximately R40.68) without the intervention.

“Already we’ve been revising taxes and levies. Last week, when the price of diesel moved up to US$2.05, it could have gone up to US$2.20, but the difference was due to the fact that we applied the levy reduction strategy on the diesel price and managed to cap it at US$2.05,” he said.

The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services said the Cabinet approved the review of time-bound fuel taxes to contain inflation and protect consumers.