FUEL CRISIS: SA SAYS “CALM DOWN” — BUT ZIMBABWEANS HIT WITH BRUTAL TWO-TIER FUEL PRICE HIKE
BY FANI MAPFUMO While the government of South Africa is urging citizens not to panic, insisting fuel supplies remain stable despite the escalating tensions involving Iran, the situation across the border in Zimbabwe is already boiling over. In a calm and calculated statement, Pretoria maintains that fuel shipments secured before the conflict will cushion the country from immediate shocks. Authorities say there is no need for panic buying — for now. But in Zimbabwe, reality has struck hard. Fuel prices have surged again, with authorities quietly introducing a two-tier pricing system — one for foreign currency and another for local currency — deepening the economic divide and piling pressure on already struggling citizens. Motorists woke up to yet another increase at the pumps, as global oil prices spike amid fears of supply disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis and potential instability around the Strait of Hormuz — a key global oil artery. The contrast is stark: 🇿🇦 South Africa: “Supply is secure, no immediate crisis.” 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe: “Prices up, survival mode activated.” Experts warn that Zimbabwe, with far weaker fuel reserves and heavy reliance on imports, is far more exposed to global shocks than its southern neighbour. While South Africa buys time with pre-arranged shipments, Zimbabweans are being forced to absorb the shock in real time. For ordinary citizens, this is not just about fuel — it’s about the cost of everything: Transport fares set to rise Basic goods likely to spike Inflation pressures intensifying As the conflict involving Iran continues to rattle global markets, one thing is becoming clear: What South Africa is managing… Zimbabwe is already feeling. And for many, the worst may still be coming.
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