AS fuel prices continue to rise, Malawi and Zimbabwe have recorded the highest gasoline prices in SADC, above regional averages, while most countries maintain moderate costs, and Angola has the lowest prices.
Fuel costs across Southern Africa show sharp contrasts, with Malawi and Zimbabwe standing out as the most expensive markets.
Petrol in Malawi is priced at $2.858 per litre, the highest in the region, followed by Zimbabwe at $2.050.
Last week, fuel Zimbabwe also hiked prices, which saw diesel costing $1.77 per litre, up from $1.52, while petrol sold for $1.71 per litre, up from $1.56.
Across the rest of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), prices are significantly lower.
Countries such as Mozambique, South Africa and Mauritius fall within a narrower range of about $1.18 to $1.31 per litre, suggesting more stable pricing environments.
At the opposite end, Angola has the lowest petrol price at just $0.327 per litre, far below the regional average.
The gap highlights major differences in fuel pricing systems among member states.
Diesel prices follow a similar pattern, with Malawi and Zimbabwe again ranking highest, while most countries remain clustered around the $1.05 to $1.30 range.
The figures point to uneven fuel costs across the region, which could affect transport expenses, trade and the overall cost of living.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) said the government is opening up supply routes not affected by the current conflict in the Middle East.
“However, while Government ensures security of fuel supply, ZERA notices that the cost pressures are piling up and these require that prices be reviewed for two weeks to avoid fuel shortages and arbitrage,” it said.
Zimbabwe’s Tax Burden
Out of the US$2.17 pump price, about US$0.857 is in taxes, which represents nearly 40% of the total cost.
Before the hike a fotnight ago, taxes stood at US$0.5209 per litre.
That means the tax component alone increased by US$0.3361, a jump of approximately 64.5%.
ZERA’s pricing model shows how these components feed into the final price:
“Pump prices are determined by international product prices, taxes and levies, and distribution margins.”
The data indicates that the actual fuel cost for petrol is around US$1.18, placing taxes close to the cost of the fuel itself. – IOW Data.
