Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. SMUGGLING syndicates have intensified operations along the Zimbabwe-Botswana border, turning bush paths around the Plumtree Border Post into a hub for illicit trade, as they exploit a widening fuel price gap, NewsDay has learnt.
As local pump prices climb to record highs, motorists are increasingly turning to a thriving black market where fuel secretly sourced from Botswana is sold at a significant discount.
The surge is partly being driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, where a widening conflict involving Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other has choked global oil supply routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.
Following the latest fuel price adjustments announced by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority on March 18, petrol in Zimbabwe now costs US$2,17 per litre, while diesel is selling at US$2,05.
In stark contrast, prices across the border in Botswana remain significantly lower, averaging about US$1,13 per litre for petrol and US$1,19 for diesel.
The disparity is largely attributed to Botswana’s more favourable taxation policies on petroleum products compared to those in Zimbabwe.
Mthokozisi Khumalo told NewsDay that motorists send them across the border to buy fuel at lower prices.
“We go through the bush while carrying containers, one can carry at least 40 litres. Each of us will carry one container for about 100m, and we return to take the other containers until we arrive at our destination. Motorists usually pay us about 50 pula each,” he said.
The price differential of nearly a dollar per litre has created a lucrative opportunity for middlemen, often referred to as “Abafana” (The boys), who navigate informal crossing points through the bush to get fuel in containers, bypassing official customs and excise duties before transporting the product to Zimbabwe for use.
Public transport operators have already begun increasing fares, triggering public debate over the need for better regulation and protection for commuters.
Transport operator Mbekezeli Ndlovu praised the young men who smuggle fuel, describing them as reliable.
He noted that they frequently use their own funds to cover fuel costs to ensure timely deliveries, later requesting reimbursement alongside their service fees.
Ndlovu urged the government to remove some taxes on fuel.
“The government must remove some of the taxes attached to fuel, as this can also reduce prices. The more the fuel prices go up, as kombi operators, we will also increase fares even though we get fuel cheap fuel from Botswana,” he said.
“We should first fix our country. I believe some people in government are benefiting from these fuel hikes. Honestly, it’s not making sense that Zimbabwe is selling fuel at a higher pump price in the region.”
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said authorities needed to investigate before issuing an official statement.
Economist Eddie Cross said the smuggling had been a problem for a long time.
“This goes on the whole time. Most of the fuel smuggled goes to independent fuel stations where it is sold at the full price. The main impact is that Treasury does not get the taxes and levies worth about 57 cents a litre,” he said.
The illegal trade continues to drain millions of dollars in potential revenue that could otherwise fund development initiatives.
Meanwhile, Energy and Power Development secretary Gloria Magombo said she was not aware of the situation.
For now, communities living near the Botswana border continue to buy fuel from door-to-door sellers.
Despite the dangers involved in transporting fuel through the bush, the trade is likely to persist until price disparities narrow or authorities find more effective ways to curb smuggling along the border.
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