Source: A 100 percent fare increase unjustified: Government – herald
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
THE Government has warned transport operators against taking advantage of the recent fuel price increase driven by developments in the Middle East to hike fares by 100 percent saying those doing so are motivated by greed and are ignoring the subsidy that it has put in place.
The call comes in the wake of transport fares having been hiked by between 100 and 150 percent from US$0,50 to US$1,25/R20 and more following the recent increase in fuel prices, leaving commuters grappling with a sudden spike in daily travel costs.
For some high-density suburbs like Cowdray Park in Bulawayo, which is one of the furthest suburbs from the Central Business District (CBD), it now costs as much as US$1,50 for a one-way trip into the city centre, while late-night trips are double the fare.
Director of Communications in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Mr Gabriel Masvora cautioned transport operators against arbitrary fare increases.
“We want to urge transport operators not to take advantage of the global fuel price increases to reap off commuters. They should be sensitive to the plight of the commuting public and not be driven by greed. A 100 percent increase is not justified if it is not motivated by profiteering.
“The Government has been considerate and has announced a cushion to consumers by reducing levies on fuel, and we hope that same spirit cascades down to our business people,” he said.
A snap survey by the Sunday News on Saturday revealed that while long-distance bus fares on major highways such as Bulawayo-Harare and Bulawayo-Victoria Falls remained unchanged, commuter omnibus operators in urban areas moved swiftly to adjust prices upwards.
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) announced on Wednesday last week new fuel prices with effect from 4 March 2026.
Diesel now retails at US$1.77 per litre, up from US$1,52, while petrol blend (E5) increased to US$1,71 per litre from US$1,56.
However, in most fuel stations, diesel is being sold at US$1,80 and petrol at US$1,87.
Zera attributed the increases to shifts in the international markets, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.The authority revealed that actual market-driven costs would have been even higher, US$1,90 for diesel and US$1,81 for blend, had the Government not intervened by reducing some charges to cushion consumers.
As confusion gripped commuters over which fare hikes were legitimate, the Government has moved to clarify the policy framework governing public transport pricing.
Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, told Parliament last week that urban transportation systems fall under the purview of local authorities, distancing his ministry from the recent fare adjustments.
“Urban transportation systems fall under the purview of local authorities. I am sure this has to be clear. When you talk of long-distance buses that is when you see the department under the Ministry coming into play. So, when it comes to the pricing modalities, the local authorities in a given area are responsible,” said Minister Mhona.
“When it comes to the design or architecture of our country, each particular city is supposed to have its own urban transport system and this is what we run with. If you have noticed, different cities used to have their own types of vehicles and even now, if you go to Bulawayo, you will see the Tshova-Mubaiwas plying Bulawayo city to the neighbouring locations. So, this is the model where we say yes, the issues related to pricing are also factored within the local authorities. This also applies even to the ranking fees being directed by the local authorities.”
Commuters crowded bus stops across the city from Friday, hoping to catch affordable transport, but man expressed their despair over the sudden increase.
For commuters who depend on public transport every day, the increase now means sacrificing money meant for more than one trip or walking long distances to school and work.
Miss Sithabile Moyo, a resident from Nkulumane, narrated her ordeal
“I used to budget my money carefully but now transport alone takes a big portion of what I earn. The hike happened suddenly, which means that I have to sacrifice my lunch and get home in time,” she said.Another commuter, Mr Douglas Sibanda, highlighted the disparity in pricing depending on time of travel.
“In the morning it’s US$1 but after hours during peak hour one has to pay US$2 or US$3. It doesn’t make sense because we are the same people travelling the same distance.”Bulawayo Residents Association Chairperson Mr Winos Dube said the price hikes have impacted negatively on people.
“It is common knowledge that every time fuel prices go up, it negatively impacts people’s lives because almost everything is adjusted upwards. People who travel to work every day are still earning the same salaries they were earning yesterday, but now they are expected to adjust to higher transport fares,” said Mr Dube.
Tshova Mubaiwa Chairman Mr Ndaba Mabunda said the fare increase was largely driven by the sudden rise in fuel prices, which caught many operators off guard.
“Fuel has been raised so suddenly without notice and the rise is alarmingly high. There are a lot of factors affecting fares but the main one is fuel. While we prefer consultation before fare adjustments, transport operators still need to keep their vehicles running and continue servicing routes. The measures we are taking are to make sure that the prices are as low as possible,” said Mr Mabunda.
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