ZERA Reverses Fuel Price Cuts, Hikes Petrol and Diesel Costs

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority raised fuel prices effective 24 July, reversing a series of recent cuts that had offered temporary relief, iHarare reported. The new prices, which push petrol and diesel costs higher, will remain in force until the next review. The hike follows a period of declining prices that had eased transport costs for motorists and businesses, providing a brief respite from inflationary pressures. Now, the reversal threatens to reignite cost-push inflation, hitting consumers already struggling with high living costs. The horizon: the increase will feed into broader inflation, straining household budgets and potentially sparking public backlash against the government’s economic management. Transport operators and manufacturers are expected to pass on the higher fuel costs, amplifying the economic pain.