HARARE – Motorists residing in Zimbabwe will no longer be able to purchase unleaded petrol starting next week under new regulations aimed at mandating ethanol blending in fuel, the government announced on Friday.
The move follows the issuance of Statutory Instrument 150 of 2024, which amends existing fuel regulations to require the blending of anhydrous ethanol with all unleaded petrol imported into the country.
The regulation, officially titled the Petroleum (Mandatory Blending of Anhydrous Ethanol with Unleaded Petrol) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (No. 6), was published in the Government Gazette and will come into effect seven days from publication.
The new mandate, implemented by the Minister of Energy and Power Development after consultation with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), marks the end of the availability of pure unleaded petrol in Zimbabwe.
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The policy is part of the government’s efforts to promote renewable energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
However, the shift to ethanol-blended fuel has raised concerns among motorists, who have previously cited potential adverse effects on their vehicles. Drivers have reported issues such as increased wear and tear, particularly in older car models not designed for ethanol blends, as well as reduced fuel efficiency and higher maintenance costs due to ethanol’s corrosive properties.
Adding to the uncertainty, some motorists and companies had stocked up on unleaded fuel coupons purchased at higher prices than those for ethanol-blended fuel. It remains unclear whether the government will offer any compensation for their potential losses as the new regulations take effect.
As the deadline approaches, consumers and fuel suppliers will need to adapt to the new regulations, which could spark further debate about the long-term impact of ethanol blending on vehicle performance and fuel costs in Zimbabwe.
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