During a recent Senate question-and-answer session, Senator Jerry Gotora from Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe expressed concerns regarding the persistently high fuel prices in Zimbabwe. He argued that the country possesses adequate local production capabilities and infrastructure that should contribute to reducing fuel costs, emphasizing that the current pricing does not reflect these advantages. Gotora pointed out that local initiatives such as the ethanol blending programme could significantly cut down on reliance on imported fuels and subsequently decrease prices.

Gotora specifically mentioned how the blending of ethanol, derived from sugar, should help in mitigating the costs associated with importing conventional fuels. He asserted that if managed correctly, the ethanol blending process should lead to cheaper fuel for consumers, as it lowers the dependency on foreign fuel imports. The Senator's concerns highlight the need for the government to reassess fuel pricing strategies in light of these local production capabilities.

Moreover, Gotora referred to critical fuel infrastructure in Zimbabwe, such as the Beira-Harare pipeline and various storage facilities located in Harare, which are also underutilized despite their potential to help stabilize and reduce fuel costs. His position underscores the ongoing debate in Zimbabwe about energy costs amidst global economic pressures while urging the government to leverage local resources for better pricing in the fuel sector.