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Charity Ruzvidzo Business Reporter
SERVICE stations in Bulawayo have increased fuel prices by an average of six cents per litre following the government’s move to raise excise duty on diesel and petrol.
Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa last week announced an increase in excise duty on diesel and petrol from 25 and 30 cents per litre to 30 and 35 cents per litre, respectively, starting Monday, September 15, 2014.

A snap survey conducted by Business Chronicle yesterday revealed most service stations had increased prices by between five and seven cents.

“Indeed fuel prices have increased and we’re now selling petrol at $1,57c from $1,50c per litre.
“Diesel has increased to $1,47c from $1,40c,” said Richard Nyoni, a fuel attendant at Total.

Sakunda Service Stations have increased the petrol price from $1,48c to $1,53c and diesel to $1,43c from $1,38c.
A litre of petrol now costs $1,53 at Zuva while diesel is pegged at $1,44c from $1,39c.

Trek has also increased prices although its margins remain relatively lower compared to other players. Trek outlets are selling petrol for 1,49c from $1,44c and diesel at $1,39c from $1,34c.

The fuel price increase has induced anxiety in the motoring public who have warned of imminent increase in fares and other basic commodities.

“The increase in fuel prices has a negative impact to the nation as a whole. This might induce food prices increase as well,” said Samuel Mpofu.

Motorists also complained about the quality of fuel being sold at some garages, which they said does not match the high prices.
They said the blended petrol should be pegged lower as it  gets used up easily.

Mobile phone operators, meanwhile, have also announced an increase in airtime charges after the government said it would levy five percent duty on mobile calls and data.

“Please be advised that all call and data rates will increase by five percent from 15 September 2014 in compliance with the recent fiscal directive,” read a message from NetOne.

Telecel spokesperson, Francis Chimanda said his company was yet to increase its charges.
“We’ve not increased our airtime prices as yet but we have actually introduced a 100 percent bonus on mega juice,” he said.
Comment could not be obtained from Econet.