Fuel crisis towards festive season: A cause for concern
By Letwin Mubonesi
The fuel crisis that has hit the country in the past week has contributed to the increase in transport fares by over 100% with a local route usually pegged at $60 now costing $200.
It has also resulted in the black market fuel resurfacing, with five litres going for US$12, up from US$7.
Last week, government said the fuel shortages were being caused by maintenance works at Beira in Mozambique.
Operators plying the Harare-Bulawayo route increased their fares from US$15 to US$25, while those plying rural routes also increased their fares.
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) yesterday warned operators saying the unsanctioned increases of fares were a cause of concern and that they should desist from taking advantage of passengers for their salaries were too low and already languishing in poverty. He also urged government to intervene.
PAZ president Tafadzwa Goliath said, “Fares can only increase if there is a fuel hike, and also if government has approved it. People do not have money, they were affected by the COVID-19 lockdown, and they are still incapacitated. The operators should understand all this and be kind to the passengers.”
However, he said some operators were forced to increase fares due to the high demand of transport sparked by the fuel shortages.
“Transporters overcharge commuters during the festive season due to demand. They also want to profit in anticipation of huge volumes of travellers during the festive season. But we don’t encourage the illegal hikes,” Goliath said.
He warned travellers against using private transport, adding that they should adhere to World Health Organisation set regulations and protocols to avoid contracting COVID-19.
One driver, Mr Togarasei Pakudya who plies Town – Kuwadzana route also bemoans the fuel crisis situation saying it will left them with no option but to hike fares.
He said, “If the situation remains like this, we will be forced to increase transport fares from UDD$1 to USD$1.50 so that we also put food on our tables. If we remain at USD$1 we will be working for nothing because all the money and profits will be going towards fuel. We are doing this to erk out a living.”
Government last week said the fuel crisis was being addressed, adding that the situation would normalise beginning today.
Motorists have, however, been hoarding fuel in anticipation of a dry festive season.
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