Fuel prices in Zimbabwe have increased following the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) ‘s announcement of new petroleum prices, which took effect on March 4, 2026.

In a notice released by the energy regulator, diesel is now priced at US$1.77 per litre, while petrol blend (E5) is selling at US$1.71 per litre.

In local currency, diesel is pegged at ZWG 45.55 per litre and petrol blend at ZWG 44.01 per litre.

The regulator said the new prices will remain in effect for the next two weeks, while authorities continue to monitor developments in the global fuel market.

ZERA indicated that the latest fuel prices were influenced by changes in international petroleum markets, which have pushed prices upward.

However, the Government reduced some of its charges to cushion consumers from sharper increases.

“The above prices are as a result of the government reducing some of its charges to cushion the consumers from astronomical increases that have happened from changes in the international market,” the regulator said in the statement.

According to ZERA, without the Government’s intervention, the price of diesel would have reached US$1.90 per litre, while petrol blend would have been US$1.81 per litre.

The regulator added that it will continue to closely monitor market developments to ensure there is an adequate fuel supply in the country.

Stakeholders were also advised that official petroleum price updates can be verified through ZERA’s official communication platforms, including its website and social media pages.

Zimbabwe reviews fuel prices regularly, largely in line with international oil price movements and exchange rate developments.

The adjustments often have a ripple effect across the economy, influencing transport costs, food prices, and other goods and services.

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion has unveiled new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Guidelines aimed at enhancing governance, protecting national interests, and attracting private investment into critical infrastructure sectors.

Speaking during the Post Cabinet Briefing, Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Finance, emphasised that the guidelines establish a clear and structured framework for all PPP projects across the country.

“Working with ZIDA, we have introduced guidelines to strengthen governance and protect the national interest.

The 30 per cent shareholding requirement is a magic figure – large enough to give the Government a meaningful minority stake, board representation, and strategic voting power, yet allowing project promoters to retain 70 per cent of dividends,” he said.

The new guidelines, approved by Cabinet, cover the entire PPP lifecycle – from project identification, approval, appraisal, and development, to implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and termination.

They are designed to provide certainty for investors while ensuring citizens derive tangible benefits from major infrastructure projects.

The Guidelines provide a structured framework to attract private investment into essential sectors such as transport, energy, and water. They will also serve as an important reference tool for all stakeholders in the implementation of PPPs in Zimbabwe,” Minister Ncube said.

The guidelines complement the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA) Act, ensuring compliance with government policies and value-for-money delivery through revenue-sharing arrangements in joint ventures.

They also outline the allocation of financial, technical, and operational risks between the government and private partners, ensuring that risks are borne by the party best able to manage them.

A central feature of the guidelines is the requirement for the Government to hold a minimum of 30 per cent equity in Project Joint Ventures or Special Purpose Vehicles, with the option to increase shareholding depending on project circumstances.

Other key elements of the PPP Guidelines include:

• Thresholds and classification of PPP projects

• Governance and institutional framework for PPPs

• Processing and approval procedures for PPP projects

• Comprehensive guidance on the PPP lifecycle

Minister Ncube highlighted that these reforms aim to balance investor confidence with national benefit, ensuring strategic control over key projects while promoting private sector participation.

“The PPP Guidelines will help the Government leverage capital and expertise, drive infrastructure development, and protect citizens’ interests,” he said.

Everisto Zhuwao

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) says its tight monetary policy stance is helping to stabilise the economy and build confidence in the country’s local currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG).

Reserve Bank Governor John Mushayavanhu presented and unpacked the Monetary Policy Statement to Members of Parliament at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, giving legislators a clearer understanding of the country’s economic direction and the measures being taken to maintain stability.

“This engagement allows lawmakers to fully appreciate the policy direction we have taken and the measures designed to safeguard macroeconomic stability,” said Dr Mushayavanhu.

The Governor said the central bank will continue to carefully manage money supply in order to keep prices stable and protect the value of the ZiG. He explained that the Bank’s strict approach is intended to prevent a return to high inflation while supporting sustainable economic growth.

“Our priority remains price stability. We are committed to ensuring that inflation remains low and predictable,” he said.

According to the RBZ, confidence in the ZiG is growing, with more people choosing to keep their savings in local currency bank accounts for longer periods instead of quickly converting them to United States dollars.

“The growing confidence in ZiG is reflected in the behaviour of depositors, who are now holding local currency balances for longer,” the Governor noted.

Figures from the National Payment Systems show that the use of the ZiG for transactions rose to 43 percent in May 2025 and averaged between 35 and 40 percent for much of the year, indicating wider acceptance of the local currency in everyday business.

“The increased usage of ZiG in the payment systems demonstrates rising public confidence in the currency,” he said.

The exchange rate has also remained stable, ranging between ZiG25 and ZiG27 per United States dollar since September 2024. The Reserve Bank attributes this stability to tight control of money supply and strong foreign currency reserves.

“Exchange rate stability has been achieved through disciplined monetary management and adequate reserves backing,” Dr Mushayavanhu explained.

The central bank also conducted stakeholder consultations in February 2026 and gathered feedback through surveys in 2025 to better understand public perceptions of the ZiG. The findings helped shape the current Monetary Policy Statement.

“Consultations and surveys are key to ensuring that our policies respond to the concerns and expectations of the market,” he said.

The RBZ said the tight policies introduced in late 2024 helped reduce inflation to single digits, and it plans to maintain this stance in 2026 to keep prices stable and inflation expectations under control.

“Maintaining single-digit inflation is critical for protecting incomes, savings, and business planning,” the Governor said.

Stable and low inflation is necessary to promote investment and support economic growth under the National Development Strategy 2, as well as to prepare the country for a possible future transition to a single-currency system.

“A stable macroeconomic environment is the foundation for long-term growth and the eventual move towards a mono-currency framework,” he said.

The Reserve Bank emphasised that the reforms introduced in April 2024 marked a turning point in restoring order to the monetary system and rebuilding confidence in Zimbabwe’s domestic currency.