Diesel consumption jumps 13% in first 2 months

By ETimes

HARARE – ZIMBABWE’S diesel consumption climbed to 210.07 million litres between January and February 2026, up from 186.38 million litres in the same period of 2025, according to data released by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA).

The 13% year-on-year increase was driven largely by a sharp rise in February, when consumption reached 109.37 million litres compared with 89.78 million litres in February 2025 – a 22% jump, the regulator said.

Industry analysts view diesel usage as a key indicator of economic activity, given its widespread application in heavy-duty vehicles, mining haul trucks, agricultural tractors and construction machinery. The rise in consumption suggests expanding output in Zimbabwe’s primary productive sectors.

In contrast, petrol consumption declined over the same period. Motorists used 114.13 million litres of petrol in January and February 2026, down from 121.68 million litres in the first two months of 2025, representing a 6% drop.