And the Zimbabwe authorities complete a stunning 360 degree turn around, by announcing upward adjustments in the prices of petrol and diesel.

According to official communication from the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) says the price of petrol has gone up to RTGS$4.97 and that of diesel has gone up to $4.89 per litre.

“The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority advises that in terms of amendments to Statutory Instruments 9 and 10 pf 2019 and the new measures taken by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on fuel procurement based on the interbank rate, applicable prices for the period 21 May 2019 are as follows: maximum pump price (RTGS$) for petrol $4.97, and diesel $4.89,” said ZERA acting CEO Edington Mazambani in his second statement this morning.

Earlier this morning ZERA had said that fuel prices for both (diesel and petrol) had not changed and warned that defaulters will face the ‘full wrath of the law.’

“The Petroleum Industry is advised that the prices of fuel have not changed and operators are expected to continue selling into the market as is expected of them,” Mazambani had communicated earlier.

“Any operator found hoarding fuel will face the full wrath of the law. ZERA and the Zimbabwe Republic Police officers have been deployed in all the towns and cities to ensure compliance.”