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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporter

BULAWAYO and other parts of the country have been experiencing crippling fuel shortages, leaving motorists stranded and causing widespread delays for commuters.

Some motorists say they have resorted to buying petrol on the black market or at service stations that charge in forex.

From Monday to yesterday, The Chronicle observed that only a few stations had limited fuel supplies resulting in long winding queues.

Some public transport vehicles have been grounded for days especially for suburbs such as Pumula South, Cowdray Park and Emganwini, leaving commuters stranded.

Civil Protection Director (CPU) Mr Nathan Nkomo said the fuel shortages have also affected Government’s response to Binga floods victims.

He said a Government truck that was carrying relief aid to Binga floods victims was delayed in Bulawayo due to fuel problems.

“I have just called our driver; he is currently stuck in Bulawayo looking for fuel. But I’m happy that finally the Provincial Development Co-ordinator’s office has intervened and they are being given priority at a local Redan Service Station and I hope by end of day today they would have reached Binga. The lorry should have arrived in Binga by now (yesterday afternoon) but because of the fuel challenges it was still stuck in Bulawayo when I last spoke to the driver earlier in the day,” Mr Nkomo said.

Power and Energy Development Minister Fortune Chasi yesterday said Government was aware of the erratic supply of fuel in the country.

“Government is aware of the erratic supply of fuel in the country and is working with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and the fuel procurers to ensure availability of fuel.

“The issue of fuel supply is affecting the entire country. It is not Bulawayo alone. As you might be aware, the country is experiencing foreign currency challenges and this has affected the procurement of fuel. However, Government has put in place measures to ensure the fuel sector receives an increased share of forex. The situation is expected to improve by end of this week,” said Minister Chasi. — @nqotshili