HARARE, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe’s government is actively reviewing taxes and levies on fuel in a bid to ease the impact of rising global oil prices, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said.
Speaking this week, Prof. Ncube highlighted that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the US-Israeli war on Iran, have driven crude oil costs higher on the international market, pushing local fuel prices up. He assured citizens that the government is taking steps to maintain adequate fuel supply nationwide, while examining fiscal measures to reduce the burden on consumers.
Government Response: Listening to Citizens
Commenting on the review, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, emphasised the administration’s responsiveness:
“THANK YOU ZIMBABWEANS FOR AIRING YOUR PAINS TO GOVERNMENT: We can now talk about it! Following our engagement here, your request to Government in respect of fuel price pressures were duly communicated to the President, Dr ED Mnangagwa. This was on Thursday afternoon. He wasted no time and directed Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube to look into the matter expeditiously for some relief. Under the aegis of the Chief Secretary, an interministerial team was set up to address the matter. This was yesterday. It has since made its recommendations which Government is now considering. You spoke; your President and his Government listened. That is how it should be. Thank you Zimbabwe!!!!👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿”
Fuel Price Volatility Hits Locals Hard
Fuel prices have already been adjusted twice in March as the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) cited global market volatility linked to the Middle East conflict. The increases reverberated through the economy, forcing local public transport operators to hike fares, which in turn triggered a nurses’ strike in Harare, highlighting how interconnected fuel costs are with broader service delivery and wage pressures.
The government’s move to review taxes and levies is therefore aimed not only at stabilising fuel supply but also at mitigating social and economic knock-on effects on essential services and vulnerable sectors.
Looking Ahead
With global oil markets remaining volatile, the government is under pressure to strike a balance between fiscal sustainability and citizen relief. Analysts say any policy intervention that eases fuel costs could provide immediate respite for households and businesses, while also preventing further disruption in critical public services.
As Prof. Ncube indicated, the review is ongoing, and Zimbabweans are watching closely to see how recommendations from the interministerial team will translate into concrete relief measures at the pump.
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