Fuel prices in Zimbabwe have been increased for the fourth time this year, climbing by up to 75%, state radio reported on Wednesday.
Diesel, which used to cost Z$1 060 (R9,10) a litre went up to Z$1 850 (R15,90) while petrol rose from Z$1 170 (R10,07) to Z$1 980 (R17,11) a litre.
The new prices will apply to ordinary motorists while public transport companies and government departments will continue to buy their fuel at a highly subsidised rate of Z$450 (R3,86) per litre for petrol and Z$200 (R1,73) for diesel.
The government of President Robert Mugabe last month relaxed controls previously imposed on the fuel industry to allow private oil firms to import their own fuel for resale.
Fuel prices were already hiked in February, April and August this year.
For the past three years Zimbabwe has faced severe fuel shortages due to the scarcity of foreign currency needed for imports. The shortages have disrupted industry and commerce and caused transport problems for members of the public.
In May, the government claimed it had concluded a fuel deal with Libya that would see the oil-rich North African country supplying Zimbabwe with its fuel needs by the end of June.
Libya did provide Zimbabwe with 70% of its fuel needs, but the supply line was cut after Zimbabwe failed to meet its end of the bargain, which was to supply Libya with beef, tobacco and sugar. — Sapa-AFP