HARARE-For the sixth time this year, Zimbabwe has increased the price of petrol and diesel by up to 26% after the finance minister raised import tax on fuel last week.

The latest increase has plied more misery on an already burdened citizens as goods and services have also skyrocketed.

Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) said a litre of petrol would now cost ZWL$9, 01 up from $7, 55. Diesel will now cost $9, 06 up from $7, 22.

A visit to some service stations has shown that pumps have run dry with motorists parking their vehicles.

“We came here around 5 am with the hope that we will get fuel and up to now we haven’t got any. We are just parking in anticipation of supplies” said Takunda Sithole a motorist

Transport operators have also increased fares beyond the reach of many commuters. A trip to Chitungwiza now costs between ZWL$4 and $7.

This is despite the introduction of the Zupco buses by the Government. The minimum charge for the Zupco is ZWL$0,50 while the maximum is ZWL$0,75

Zimbabwe is currently facing one of the worst economic period in a decade.