By Correspondent
The government says it’s considering increasing the ethanol blend from the current E5 to E20 to reduce skyrocketing fuel prices.
As of late March 2026, fuel prices in Zimbabwe have increased, with petrol (E20) averaging around $2.17 per litre and diesel (D50) around $2.05 per litre.
The increments have been attributed to the ongoing US-Iran war.
However, the Zimbabwean government’s own list of taxes has been cited as the major reason for the fuel cost spike.
The Zimbabwe Taxpayers Platform (Zitap) has since called on the government to slash non-essential spending and adjust fuel taxes to cushion consumers from the steep fuel price hikes.
In response to the pressure Government has since laid out various measures.
“Price hikes have been witnessed in the transport sector, in particular by passenger vehicle operators.
The Cabinet considered and approved the review of selected and time-bound fuel taxes in order to contain inflationary pressures and safeguard consumer welfare.
“The government also considered the option of increasing the ethanol.
blending of petrol from the current E5 to E20 level.
This is aimed at “reducing the pump price of petrol in the local market,” it said.
In a statement after the 7th Cabinet meeting, it said appropriate refinements of the options are underway, and the necessary fuel price adjustments will be communicated in due course.
Middle East Conflict Repercussions
The Cabinet has already considered and approved a report by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce detailing the current economic pressures from the US-Iran War.
It says it has noted marginal price movements in basic commodities.
However, it says many of them are still available in retail shops.
“In light of disruptions in the global oil market and the corollary effect on international fuel prices, the local commodity prices have largely remained stable.
“Most businesses have not increased the prices of basic goods.
These include mealie-meal, laundry soap, cooking oil, sugar, flour, rice, bath soap, washing powder, powdered/fresh milk, eggs, beef, chicken and salt.
Increases in bread prices have, however, been noted after a 10% spike recently.
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