Harare(New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) on Friday marginally increased the price of petrol by 12 cents to $18.40 per litre, but reduced that for diseal by $2.27 to $17.28 per litre.

In a statement, Zera said the price changes took immediate effect, and allowed retailers with trading advantages such as close proximity to supply sources, to use these in their pricing to lighten the cost burden on motorists.

The regular price reviews are meant to ensure local prices do not lag behind those in neighbouring countries which in the past led to smuggling.

Zera’s petrol price increase is despite Friday’s oil price fall on the international market due to the growing negative impact of the coronavirus on the world economy.

The virus, which has killed more than 2,700 people in China where it originated, is rapidly spreading around the world, knocking down economies.

New Ziana