Diesel Hits US$2.11, Petrol US$2.23 In Zimbabwe’s Third Fuel Price Hike In 30 Days
Zimbabwe has raised diesel and petrol prices for the third time in a month.
The first increase took effect on 4 March, the second on 18 March, and the latest hike came into effect on 2 April 2026.
In a notice issued on Thursday evening, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) said petrol now costs US$2.23 per litre, while diesel is priced at US$2.11 per litre.
Since 18 March, petrol was US$2.17 per litre, and diesel was US$2.05 per litre.
ZERA said the government is trying to keep diesel prices below what they would otherwise be. The Authority stressed that without intervention, diesel could have soared to US$2.65 per litre.
The government has completely removed all taxes and levies on diesel ($0.54 worth) to keep it at $2.11 instead of $2.65.
To soften the impact, the government has reduced some taxes and levies, although petrol still carries 86 cents of taxes per litre. ZERA said:
“The Government, through ZERA, continues to monitor the security of supply of petroleum products in the market.
“In that regard, Government notifies stakeholders that there are enough stocks of petroleum products in the supply chain, starting from Beira and inland storage facilities with more than three months’ supply cover.
“Working with oil traders, the Government is opening up supply routes not affected by the current conflict in the Middle East.
“However, while Government ensures security of fuel supply, ZERA notices that the cost pressures are piling up, and these require that prices be reviewed for two weeks to avoid fuel shortages and arbitrage.
“Since the last price review, FOB price for diesel has gone up by 33.16%, and for petrol by 5.96%.
“Government is taking deliberate actions to ensure that fuel brought into the country is accessed by all fuel stations, especially those in the remote areas of the country and Government, through its companies, Petrotrade and NOIC will be active in that regard.
“The price of petrol is expected to decrease in the next review as it coincides with commencement of ethanol production. Increasing the blending mandate to E20 contains the petrol price by around 18cents.
“The new price of diesel has been set with a view to mitigate the impact of the increase to the mining, agriculture, haulage services and passenger transport sectors. Government has removed all taxes and levies on diesel.
“Government will endeavour to keep the price of diesel lower than what it ought to be. Without Government intervention, the price of diesel would have been US$2.65 per litre.
“As a way to open up other avenues for the importation of diesel, Government has, with immediate effect, approved the importation of diesel by road, in addition to pipeline and rail.”
