We Have Enough Fuel Stocks, Panic Buying Has Created "Artificial Shortages" - Energy Minister

Minister of Energy and Power Development Minister Jorum Gumbo has said the country has adequate fuel stocks and attributed the long queues witnessed at filling stations to panic buying. The minister indicated that an “artificial shortage” had been created by people who are hoarding fuel. Speaking to the Sunday Mail, Gumbo said,

The sporadic fuel stock-out at service stations are being caused by a number of factors that include foreign currency shortages and panic buying by motorists, resulting from false social media messages… What is happening also is panic buying is creating artificial shortages as motorists are buying more than they require…At our Masasa and Mabvuku depots there is enough fuel and pumping is ongoing from Beira. We need 2,5 million litres of diesel a day and 1,5 million litres of petrol; we are able to meet those figures. The panic buying should not be expected as there is no need for that. There are also fears that the new 2c tax (on electronic transfers) could be contributing as people think that the price of fuel will shoot through the roof and people are hoarding.

Long fuel lines have been a constant feature across filling station in the last few days.