Motorists Queue For Hours As Fuel Pumps Dry Up In Harare

Fuel levels at stations in Zimbabwe continue to be extremely low following the standoff between the Zimbabwe Energy Regulation Authority (ZERA) and fuel station companies over taxes. Fuel companies have stopped taking fuel to protest tax changes made on 1 August by the Minister of Finance requiring a percentage-based calculation of fuel duty instead of a previously fixed amount.

The Standard spoke to some motorists trying to fuel the cars in Harare:

We feel helpless in the current situation of fuel shortages in the country as this has caused us to continue waiting for long periods of time. I had planned to go on holiday with my family, but since 5am, I have been queuing for fuel.

Some people have also complained that the unavailability of fuel has disrupted their holiday traveling plans. Some individuals also took to Twitter to complain about the long hours in fuel queues:

https://twitter.com/caffeine_ash/status/1160058917302521867

https://twitter.com/tnashe_tnengoni/status/1160257158535163904

Feel free to drive through the city… to see long long long long queues for people sitting in fuel queues!! What a way to spend the last long weekend before Christmas!!

— Rita Jasmat (@govindsaysRita) August 11, 2019

President izvozvi ndiri in fuel queue since morning, and someone like matemadanda will say everything is ok. Come 16 August ,vachationa

— Moyo (@PeterEv04277927) August 11, 2019

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