Diesel consumption up 21% in first 4 months despite higher prices

By ETimes

HARARE – Zimbabwe’s diesel consumption has risen sharply despite fuel price increases, data from the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) showed.

Diesel use grew steadily from 100.69 million litres in January 2026 to 150.45 million litres in April, the highest monthly figure recorded so far this year. Total consumption for the first four months reached 489.15 million litres, up 21% from 402.87 million litres in the same period last year.

By contrast, petrol consumption has declined amid price hikes. Petrol use fell to 49.53 million litres in March from 62.12 million litres in February, with total consumption for the first four months at 216.49 million litres, down 11% year-on-year.

Fuel prices surged in March, with blended petrol rising to US$2.17 per litre from US$1.71, and diesel climbing to US$2.05 from US$1.77. Prices have since stabilized at around US$2.08 for petrol and US$2.09 for diesel.

The government has pledged to maintain fuel price mitigation measures while monitoring supply stability amid international tensions affecting oil markets.

In June, the government approved an increase in the Strategic Reserve Levy (SRL) on both fuels. The levy on diesel rose from US$0.05 to US$0.12 per litre, a 140% increase, while petrol’s SRL increased from US$0.413 to US$0.523 per litre. The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority was instructed to implement the changes from June 2.

Rising diesel use despite higher costs highlights the fuel’s importance for transport, agriculture, and industry, while petrol consumption appears more sensitive to price increases.

© etimes.co.zw | June 2026