By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare, June 20, 2026 – Three months after Stage Carriage Unified Transport Association (SCUTA) Chairman Esau Mupfumi urged transport operators not to panic and increase fares following a fuel price hike, recent developments have largely vindicated his position, with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) announcing a reduction in fuel prices.
In March, Mupfumi appealed for restraint after ZERA increased diesel prices to US$2.05 per litre, arguing that the increase was temporary and largely influenced by global market conditions rather than a long-term trend.
At the time, he warned operators against rushing to burden commuters with fare increases, saying both transport providers and passengers were facing economic challenges.
“The current increase is driven by replacement cost pricing and global market trends, not a permanent shift,” Mupfumi said in March.
His remarks have now gained renewed attention after ZERA announced new fuel prices effective June 19, 2026, reducing diesel from US$2.05 to US$1.99 per litre and Blend E20 from above US$2 to US$1.98 per litre.
The reduction follows months of stability in international fuel markets and government interventions aimed at cushioning consumers from global geopolitical developments.
Despite the earlier fuel increases, SCUTA resisted pressure to raise fares on its major routes, maintaining commuter charges at levels many operators considered unsustainable.
Currently, buses under Mupfumi’s transport operations continue charging US$0.50 for local urban routes in Mutare, while commuters travelling to Penhalonga and Chigodora pay US$1, fares that have remained unchanged despite fluctuations in fuel costs.
Transport stakeholders say the latest fuel reduction strengthens arguments that fare adjustments should be approached cautiously, particularly when fuel price increases are expected to be temporary.
Speaking after the latest ZERA announcement, Mupfumi said operators who exercised patience have been rewarded.
“We encouraged operators not to react emotionally to temporary market changes because commuters are already struggling. Today’s fuel price reduction shows that not every increase should automatically result in higher transport fares,” he said.
He reiterated SCUTA’s commitment to balancing business sustainability with the welfare of commuters.
“Our focus has always been on providing affordable and reliable transport services. We understand the economic realities facing ordinary Zimbabweans, and we will continue to play our part where possible,” Mupfumi added.
The latest development is likely to reignite debate within the transport sector over fare-setting mechanisms, with commuter groups expected to call on operators who increased fares during periods of high fuel costs to review their charges.
For many commuters in Mutare, however, the fuel price reduction serves as confirmation of a prediction made months ago by a transport leader who urged patience when others were calling for immediate fare hikes.