Fuel prices go down

Sunday News Reporter

THE price of fuel has slightly gone down after the Government announced an increase in the blending ratio of petrol from five percent to 10 percent last week.

In a notice, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority said starting tomorrow the maximum pump prices for diesel will be $3,21 per litre while that of Blend (E10) will be $3,35 per litre. Some garages had increased the prices of petrol to around $3,50 per litre in the past weeks.

“Please note that these figures take into account the revised excise duty and represent maximum FOB and pump prices for different fuels. Operators may, however, sell, at prices below the cap depending on their trading advantages,” said Zera.

The review came at a time the Government has urged the public to disregard social media reports concerning the operations of the State. Minister of Energy and Power Development Dr Joram Gumbo, said the public was widely being misled by rumours on social media and the Government had absolutely no intention to increase the price of fuel.

“I want to assure the nation that the Government, since the changes of fuel in February this year, has no intention at all to change the price of both products, which are diesel and petrol. Prices will remain constant. Prices can only change on FOB by a cent or two depending on what happens at buying,” said Dr Gumbo.

He said the nation should not depend and be misled by rumours on social media.

Meanwhile, speaking at the official opening of the ministry building at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair on Thursday, Dr Gumbo applauded the efforts and initiative done by the National Oil Infrastructure Company (NOIC) in constructing a permanent structure at the ZITF.

“I am happy to report that since inception NOIC has been supporting the ministry in its endeavours and we applaud the company for the support that it has provided,” said Dr Gumbo.

He said his ministry’s vision was to achieve a universal access to sustainable and modern energy in Zimbabwe by the year 2030.

“The vision is critical for the development of the country, especially the attainment of the national vision as espoused by his Excellency the President Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa to achieve a middle class economy by the year 2030,” said Dr Gumbo.

He added that apart from NOIC there were six other State owned enterprises that fall under the jurisdiction of his ministry, which are the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, Zesa, Petrotrade (Pvt) Ltd, Finealt Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, Rural Electrification Fund (REF) and Zambezi River Authority (ZRA).

Dr Gumbo said there were intentions to construct a biogas digester at the NOIC building, as well as installing solar panels and water heaters on its roof.

“We look forward to having a building that generates its own electricity and feeds excess power into the grid as stipulated in the new net metering regulations,” said Dr Gumbo.