Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has re-introduced the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Zupco) buses to service intercity routes in Gweru, providing relief to commuters by charging US$0.50 per trip compared to US$1 charged by private players.
Following the recent increase in fuel prices, commuter omnibus operators hiked their fares to US$1 from US$0.50 per trip, double the old charges, a development that has piled immense pressure on commuters.
The Government has, for the second time in two weeks, announced new fuel prices.
The first increase was on March 4, followed by another on March 17, every time responding to the disruption of global oil supply chains occasioned by the ongoing United States and Israel war with Iran, which has disrupted shipping operations in the Middle East region, the hub of fuel supplies.
In a notice released last Wednesday, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) announced that Diesel 50 will now retail at ZiG52.19 per litre (US$2.05), while blended petrol (E5) will cost ZiG55.13 per litre (US$2.17).
In a statement accompanying the price review, the Government acknowledged the financial strain on consumers but stressed that the adjustment was necessary to maintain supply stability while measures to cushion consumers are being worked on.
Gweru District Development Coordinator, Mr Tarisai Mudadigwa, confirmed that the Government has introduced Zupco buses in the city to cushion travelling residents.
“Zupco buses have resumed operations for intercity routes in Gweru to provide relief for commuters who are now being charged between US$0.75 and US$1 following the recent fuel price hike. Commuters are paying US$0.50 for the same route,” said Mr Mudadigwa.
In separate interviews, commuters told this publication that transport operators adjusted fares across key routes, citing rising operational expenses following the surge in fuel prices.
“I commute from Mkoba 20 suburb, and in the past two weeks, we have seen transport fares increase from US$0.75 to US$1, which is too much for us, considering it’s mid-month,” said Mr Henry Daka.
While appreciating the return of Zupco buses, he said the fleet was limited and only operated from around 8 AM to 8 PM.
“From 5 AM, when a lot of people start going to town, there are no Zupco buses, and after 7:30 PM, you won’t find any. They are cheap, yes, but they should be available so that we realise their benefit,” he said.
Transport operators said the fare adjustments have been necessitated by rising fuel prices, which have significantly increased the cost of doing business.
“We are just merely responding to market forces. We feel the plight of the commuters, but we are in business to make a profit. As you are aware, the global fuel market has been unstable in recent weeks due to the ongoing conflict in Iran,” said Mr Amos Muzenda, a transport operator.
The war has disrupted oil production and key supply routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical channel for global energy supplies.
As a result, oil prices have surged past the US$100 per-barrel mark, pushing up fuel costs worldwide.
Recent reports indicate that the conflict has led to sharp increases in oil and gas prices, with some countries already implementing measures to cushion consumers from the rising costs.
The ripple effects are being felt across various sectors, including transport, where operators often pass on increased fuel costs to commuters.
