Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere has stated that the Zimbabwean government has not imposed a ban on unleaded fuel sales. Recently, new regulations were introduced requiring that all unleaded petrol in the country be blended with ethanol, as detailed in Statutory Instrument 150 of 2024, which was published in the Government Gazette on August 30.
Energy and Power Development Minister Edgar Moyo explained that these changes were made in consultation with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA). However, during the 11th Annual International Conference on Communication and Information Science at the National University of Science and Technology, Muswere clarified that there is “no policy position” regarding a ban on unleaded fuel. He emphasized:
“The first question is about unleaded fuel. And the response is firstly, I am the official government spokesperson. There have been discussions around this issue, but the government of Zimbabwe makes science-based decisions.”
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Muswere noted that the discussions held weeks prior were not comprehensive enough and confirmed that it is not the government’s intention to ban unleaded fuel. He also pointed out a taxation loophole related to unleaded fuel imports.
Additionally, he discussed the economic implications of blending petrol with ethanol, stating that establishing effective blending ratios could help reduce the import bill and create jobs. Muswere added:
“The more a country is able, in terms of human capital development, to research, to come up with a blending ratio and reduce its import bill and create employment, the better for the country. The more a country exports than it imports, it generates a positive balance of trade. But the official government position is that no policy position exists.”
The announcement of Statutory Instrument 150 of 2024 has sparked public outrage, with many motorists expressing a desire for the freedom to choose their fuel type rather than being compelled to buy blended petrol.
