Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
ZIMBABWE’s fuel consumption rose sharply in 2025, surpassing 2.1 billion litres, up from 1.6 billion litres the previous year, according to figures released by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA).
The increase reflects expanding economic activity across key productive sectors, including mining, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, transport and distribution. Data released by ZERA on Monday shows sustained growth in the consumption of both petrol and diesel, with diesel accounting for the bulk of demand.
The upward trend follows an estimated 6.6 percent economic growth rate recorded in 2025, which analysts say translated into higher industrial output, increased mobility and greater demand for energy inputs.
Economist Mr Chris Mugari said the rising fuel uptake is a strong indicator that economic momentum is continuing into the current year, buoyed by favourable rainfall and improved production prospects.
“This is a reflection that indeed the growth trajectory experienced last year was just real, infact it is pointing to another year of good times as the current good rains will further spur economic activities.”
Driven by the increase in overall production for sectors of the economy such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, transport and distribution, diesel is dominating the consumption patterns, accounting for over 60 percent.
It is this rise in consumption of fuel that serves as a testament of increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a measurement of goods and services in Zimbabwe, as revealed by another economist, Dr Moses Chundu.
“The dominance of diesel in terms of the consumption trends at over 1,5 billion litres, while petrol accounting for over 700 million litres, further reflects how the productive sectors are increasing production, and this is why the consumption trends continue to increase.
From a baseline of 1,6 billion litres in 2024 to around 2,2 billion litres of the commodity last year, projections by the regulatory authorities show that consumption this year will hit over 2,5 billion litres.
