Zimpapers Logo

Oliver Kazunga, Senior Business Reporter
THE National Oil Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe (NOIC) will with effect from January 1, 2017 reduce fuel pipeline charges, a development that industry say would likely benefit the consumer through a reduced pump price.

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) indicated on its website that its committee on energy had been informed that the pipeline charges were set to decline to $0,65 from $0,85.

“The committee (on energy) was informed that the National Oil Company will with effect from January, 2017 reduced pipeline charges from 85c to 65c.

“Ideally this reduction should filter to consumers, through a reduced pump price. The committee noted that fuel prices have slightly gone up by two cents, and the margin for retailers has since moved up from six cents to eight cents per litre,” said CZI.

“There are fears that there may be fuel supply bottlenecks payment challenges through the RBZ (Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe).”

Comment could not be obtained from NOIC.

The industrial representative body has since said some service stations were now giving discounts to customers paying cash.

“They (service stations) now have a cash price and a different price for those paying using POS (Point of Sale) machines and there is a limit for those paying using POS,” it said.

“Some fuel dealers are reportedly mixing diesel/ petrol with paraffin because paraffin does not pay duty. This poses major risks to engines,” said CZI.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy and Power Development has assured the nation that the country has adequate fuel supplies to last into the next year. This follows reports on social media that the country was having inadequate fuel supplies.

The Government has said it was imperative to appreciate that the bulk of the stocks were in bond and once such fuel was paid for, it would be released onto the market. Fuel imports into the country continue on a daily basis without any disruptions, the Government has said.

@okazunga