Senator Jerry Gotora criticizes the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority for recent fuel price hikes, questioning their justification given the country's ability to store fuel for extended periods.
In Zimbabwe, Senator Jerry Gotora has expressed strong discontent over the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority's (ZERA) decision to increase fuel prices twice in a short span, despite the country's capacity for fuel storage. The price hikes, which saw petrol and diesel increase significantly, have raised concerns regarding the affordability of fuel in the country, particularly since Zimbabwe blends its fuel with ethanol. Senator Gotora made his comments during a national interest point, indicating that such increases are troubling for the average citizen.
The recent price adjustment, effective March 18, 2026, shows petrol rising from $1.71 to $2.17 per litre and diesel from $1.77 to $2.05 per litre, culminating in an average increase of approximately 26.9% for petrol and 15.8% for diesel. ZERA explained that the hikes are primarily due to international oil price fluctuations driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing the necessity of these increases for maintaining a consistent fuel supply.
Criticism has mounted towards ZERA as citizens grapple with economic hardships, and many argue that with the nation’s blending of fuel with locally sourced ethanol, prices should reflect that resource availability. Senator Gotora's remarks underscore a growing frustration within the nation's legislative body towards how energy policies are handled, especially in light of existing fuel storage capabilities and the economic realities facing Zimbabweans.
