The unavailability of fuel in local currency has constrained the Harare City Council’s capacity to carry out its services.

A number of fuel stations in Harare are selling petrol and diesel in United States dollars, making it difficult for companies and entities that do not generate foreign currency.

Energy companies selling fuel in foreign currency are retailing petrol at US$1.28 a litre, while diesel is going for US$1.09 a litre.

Zimbabwe’s metropolis said it has engaged with the relevant authorities to find a way around the fuel situation.

“Harare City Council is advising residents, ratepayers and stakeholders that council has not been spared the current fuel challenges.

“We are finding it difficult to procure fuel for service delivery because our suppliers are demanding to be paid in United States dollars,” said HCC today.

“Council charges its services in the local currency while fuel is largely being sold in foreign currency.

We appeal to our customers to bear with us while we find ways to address the challenges through engagement
with authorities.

“The critically affected service areas are garbage collection, attendance to burst water and waste water pipes and transportation of Metro Police officers to duty stations and patrol zones.”

Two weeks ago, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority gazetted a 150% increase in the price of fuel after the country carried out its first foreign currency auction system.

That first auction saw the Zimbabwe dollar trading at 1:57.36 against the US dollar.

Petrol adjusted to ZWL$71.62 while diesel rose to ZWL$62.77, up from
$28.96 and $24.93 respectively.