Petrol prices in Karoi have leapt from $1,36 to $2 per
litre, as a black market for the liquid has resurfaced since last week.
This follows the unavailability of both petrol and diesel
in the farming town that has seen some cars and buses, as well as kombis
grounded.
Out of six services stations within Karoi central business
district, only one had fuel on Thursday, as shortages of foreign currency take
their toll on the economy.
Taxi operators said they were being forced to travel to
Magunje, about 35 kilometers away, to get fuel, while others had to endure
black market prices.
“All service stations do not have fuel and it has affected
operations. I only managed to get fuel from Magunje although it is not enough
to last many days,” a taxi operator, John Marega said.
Another taxi operator, who identified himself as Reuben,
said he bought petrol on the black market for $2 per litre from long distance
truck drivers, who were now making a brisk business following the crisis.
“I had no option as I have a contract to ferry kids to a
pre-school daily, as the parents paid me in advance,” he said.
Some rural kombi drivers said they were facing similar
challenges and had resorted to the black market.
“It is not as clean as it must be, but that is the only
option for us to remain in business,” a Kazangarare-bound kombi driver, Regis
Matanga, said.
Service station operators said they last received their
last week and have not heard from suppliers since.
“We do not know when we’ll get our deliveries, as head
offices is mum on supplies,” a manager with one of the service stations,
preferring not to be named for professional reasons, said.
Zimbabwe has been facing acute foreign currency crisis
after introducing bond notes and coins introduced to avert looming cash crisis
two years ago. Newsday
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