HARARE - A five percent fuel hike has irked motorists who have been enjoying price stability for the past year.

The Daily News yesterday took to the streets and motorists expressed their displeasure at the hike, while economic analysts warned them to anticipate another hike.

“There should be some warning of some sort. There is no fuel at some stations especially in the high density areas,” fumed Kudakwashe Mudzamiri, a Harare motorist.

Analysts warned motorists to brace for yet another hike because of conditions at Beira port in Mozambique.
“No one has control over how the weather behaves, and if conditions at Beira do not improve, dealers will be forced to raise prices further,” said Isis Mwale, an economic consultant.

According to fuel dealers, bad weather conditions in Beira have negatively impacted fuel discharge, leading to a decrease in inflows.

The limited supplies from Beira have led to inadequate stocks, necessitating the hike.

Fuel stations in the central business district in Harare are selling unleaded petrol for
between $1, 50 and $1,56. Diesel on the other hand is selling for between $1, 34 and $1, 36.

A week ago, unleaded petrol was being sold at an average of $1,46 and diesel was selling at an average of $1,30.

“Have you got an idea of how irritating it is to drive into a filling station and find that there is no fuel? You do the rounds and when you finally get fuel, the price has shot up without any notice?” said Thembi Mkize, another motorist from Harare.

Motorists said prices have been steadily rising over the past week and they have not been officially notified of the hike.