NewZimbabwe.com reports that the Harare City Council introduced stricter regulations for new service stations, including a 1.5 km minimum spacing requirement, and the rules also mandate environmental assessments and public notice boards. The new rules apply to all new service stations in Harare, and the minimum spacing is intended to reduce competition, with the regulations approved by the council in September 2026, and they are effective immediately. The regulations were revealed during a parliamentary portfolio committee tour, responding to the proliferation of fuel stations, and council officials cited safety and aesthetic concerns, while the committee expressed concern about the number of stations. The proliferation of fuel stations has raised concerns about congestion, and safety concerns include fire hazards and traffic accidents. The move could stifle competition and raise fuel prices, impacting consumers significantly, and the council aims to improve urban planning as part of broader regulatory reforms, and the impact on consumers could be significant, especially for low-income households.
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