Staff Reporter

Citizens have welcomed Government initiative to reduce taxes on fuel in order to maintain fuel prices at an affordable range.  This follows a hike in international oil prices as a result of the Russia/Ukraine war.

The price of fuel has a bearing on the pricing of commodities in the country, and thus Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has instructed fuel operators to adhere to prescribed prices.

“Prices have been set in accordance with oil price patterns on the international market, which the Authority is continuously monitoring.

“The public and operators are advised that the blending ration remains at EO.  Operators may sell the petroleum products below the prescribed prices depending on their trading advantages and should display prices in a prominent place as provided for by the fuel pricing regulations,” read the statement.

Economic Analyst, Abednigo Mastika, commended Government for keeping a tight leash on the fuel operators, saying this will ensure easing of burden on the motoring public.

“Both fuels, diesel and petrol are down eight cents on USD meaning they are now retailed at US$1.60 and US$159 respectively.  In Zimbabwe dollars, they are at ZWL213.90 and ZWL213.49 respectively.

“If this remains the case in our fuel stations, it means the price of commodities will remain low and affordable to every citizen,” Mastika said.

Meanwhile, citizens have applauded Government on its people-first policies, as President Emmerson Mnangagwa continues to be a listening President who puts the needs of the people first.  When the price of basic commodities could have hit the roof due to oil hikes, he put measures to cap the prices and keep them from fuelling high prices.