Reduction in fuel costs ‘signals bright future’

Municipal Reporter

Motorists yesterday praised the continued reduction of maximum fuel prices, with three reductions in the last three weeks, saying it signalled a bright future.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority announced a further reduction in the maximum retail price of both diesel and petrol, petrol falling another cent from US$1,61 to US$1, 60 a litre while diesel fell to US$1,74 from US$1,76 per litre.

Fuel prices have been falling since the third week of last month with Zera quickly passing on the reductions triggered by the fall in crude oil prices and the increase in the ethanol content of petrol. In the past three weeks petrol has fallen almost 11 percent in maximum price and diesel almost 8 percent.

A motorist fuelling at Total Energies along Nelson Mandela Avenue, Mr Bernard Chiripanyanga, said the reduction in fuel price was very welcome.

“For us motorists this is a progressing movement and would like to applaud the Government for putting up concrete measures.

“As for myself l drove from Budiriro to town on a daily basis and the cost of fuel was now a huge burden. On a distance that I would only refill US$10 for two days sometimes it was no longer enough considering congestion sometimes,” he said.

Another motorist Miss Mukudzeishe Hungwe also hailed the fuel price reduction.

“The decline in fuel prices is quite encouraging. This is a noble initiative from the Government. It is also pleasing to note that many filling stations are keeping prices to the stipulated Government prices,” she said.

Another motorist, Mrs Patience Zisengwe said the reduction of fuel costs was a welcome move likely to trigger a reduction even in prices of basic goods.

“As you know fuel affects all sectors and it is our sincere hope that its reduction will translate to a decline of prices for basic goods. For instance, some bakeries had increased bread prices citing a rise in fuel costs.

“It is my sincere hope that they will act in good faith and adjust accordingly so as to lessen the burden on us consumers,” she said.

Mr Bekithemba Mpilo who was fuelling at Glow Petroleum along Leopold Takawira Street hoped the fuel price will continue on a nosedive.

“I am delighted with the reduction in fuel price, but my hope is that the price continues to decline. However, at the moment l remain hopeful for much better days,” he said.