Fuel price hike raises tension in Zimbabwe
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The danger of civil unrest in Zimbabwe increased yesterday when President Robert Mugabe's government put up fuel prices by 72 per cent the sharpest rise for 20 years.
Amid persistent rumours that Zimbabwe will be hit by maize and wheat shortages in the coming months, the petrol price was increased by 76 per cent with diesel used in industry and farming going up by 67 per cent. The price of paraffin, used by most of the population for cooking and keeping warm, went up by 69 per cent. In October, there were riots in Harare, the capital, after a 15 per cent fuel price rise put up the cost of basic foodstuffs.
The sudden move shocked even the staunchest critics of the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front. Eddie Cross, of the opposition Movement For Democratic Change, said: "The implications for the poor are enormous."
The price rise by the National Oil Company, through which all fuel is imported, was imposed because a flourishing black market which sprung up last year to counter shortages appears to have sucked up all the hard currency. The company needs dollars to import fuel into the landlocked southern African country.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments