Petrol Price Rises as Scrutiny of Tagwirei’s Fuel Influence Continues

Zimbabwean motorists are facing a higher petrol bill after the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) approved a new pump-price adjustment, bringing renewed attention to the structure of the country’s fuel-import and pipeline sector.

The revised prices took effect on 9 September 2026. Petrol blended at E20 increased by three US cents to US$1.99 a litre, up from US$1.96. The price of Diesel 50 remained unchanged at US$1.95 a litre.

In Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG), petrol rose from ZWG52.34 to ZWG53.06 per litre. Diesel increased slightly from ZWG51.98 to ZWG52.10 per litre. The previous prices had been announced on 24 July.

ZERA said it would continue reviewing fuel prices while government measures remained in place to shield consumers from international market volatility and geopolitical pressures.

The authority reminded fuel retailers that the mandated blending ratio is E20. It also said operators may charge less than the prescribed maximum price and must display their prices prominently in line with fuel-pricing regulations.

“The public and operators are advised that the blending ratio is at E20. Operators may sell the petroleum products below the prescribed prices depending on their trading advantages and should display prices in a prominent place as provided for by the fuel pricing regulations,” ZERA said.

The price increase has again drawn attention to the influence of businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, founder of Sakunda Holdings and a figure widely associated with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Questions about Tagwirei’s position in the fuel sector date back to arrangements involving the state-owned National Oil Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe (NOIC). An investigation by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) reported that a 2011 agreement granted companies linked to Tagwirei significant rights connected to Zimbabwe’s fuel infrastructure.

A later joint venture involving commodities trader Trafigura also reportedly gave the partnership preferential access to the Beira-Harare fuel pipeline.

According to OCCRP, the arrangement helped establish the Tagwirei-Trafigura venture as a major player in the local market. The organisation reported that the venture supplied as much as 60% of Zimbabwe’s monthly fuel imports by 2018. Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti has previously put the share above 80% at one stage.

Tagwirei has rejected allegations relating to his business activities. Trafigura has also disputed claims that it held an exclusive or dominant position in Zimbabwe’s fuel market.

The controversy has continued beyond the former partnership with Trafigura. In 2025, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga was reported to have accused Tagwirei of hiding a 45% ZANU-PF interest in Sakunda. The party denied the allegation, and the company’s precise ownership structure remains disputed.

The fuel sector has consequently become part of a larger national debate about the relationship between politically connected businesses and the State, particularly where strategic infrastructure and essential consumer goods are involved.

Sakunda’s prominence has attracted further scrutiny because control and access within the fuel market are closely linked to the country’s pipeline network. NOIC says its responsibilities include safeguarding fuel supplies, managing petroleum infrastructure and providing transportation, storage and re-delivery services.

Households will also pay more for liquefied petroleum gas after ZERA raised the maximum price to US$1.76 per kilogramme from US$1.69/kg. The new LPG price took effect on 8 September, replacing the rate introduced on 8 August.

The latest adjustments will increase energy costs for both motorists and households. They also highlight the challenge facing government as it attempts to protect consumers from international price and geopolitical shocks while maintaining a functioning fuel-supply system.