Filling Stations Begin Limited ZiG Fuel Sales as RBZ Pushes Gradual De-Dollarisation
- Chipo Basira
- 22 Apr, 2026
Filling Stations Begin Limited ZiG Fuel Sales as RBZ Pushes Gradual De-Dollarisation
Several filling stations in Zimbabwe have started accepting the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) for fuel purchases under strict limits, marking the first shift since the currency was launched in April 2024.
A survey in Bulawayo this week found motorists buying fuel with ZiG at selected stations. Transactions are capped daily and mostly serve corporate clients who pre-pay into fuel accounts.
“We have started accepting ZiG. Volumes are controlled, but the system is working,” said a Bulawayo fuel attendant who requested anonymity.
Motorist Charles Phiri confirmed buying fuel with ZiG. “The process was seamless. It helps those of us paid in ZiG, but you must check the exchange rate at each station,” he said.
Fuel has been one of Zimbabwe’s most dollarized sectors because imports, duty, and taxes are paid in US dollars. Analysts say even limited ZiG acceptance is significant.
“Fuel has mostly been sold in foreign currency. Limited acceptance of ZiG reflects growing confidence,” said Bulawayo-based economist Reginald Shoko.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Denford Mutashu said wider use will strengthen the currency. “Service stations accepting ZiG are showing confidence in the national currency,” he said.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe introduced ZiG in April 2024 to replace the Zimbabwe dollar.
The government now requires some taxes and public-sector payments in ZiG to cut US dollar reliance.
RBZ Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu said the bank will not force fuel stations to take ZiG yet.
Speaking to the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries last week, he said mandatory acceptance should wait until ZiG accounts for 50% of all transactions.
“We don’t want long queues. The transition must be gradual,” he said.
He set December 31, 2030, as the target to end the multi-currency system.
The RBZ wants ZiG use to reach 30% of transactions by the end of 2026 and 40% by the end of 2027.
Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) publishes fuel prices in ZiG.
For May 2026, petrol is ZiG21.15 per litre and diesel is ZiG22.24. Industry sources say publishing prices is required by law but does not mean stations accept ZiG.
Many stations still refuse the currency. A NewsDay survey two days ago found no stations in Harare taking ZiG.
Consumer Council of Zimbabwe CEO Rosemary Mpofu said her team also found no stations accepting it last week.
In Bulawayo and southern provinces, the US dollar and South African rand remain dominant, especially in informal trade. ZiG is mostly used for formal electronic payments.
Dr Mushayavanhu said the RBZ has sent teams to southern regions to promote ZiG and address note shortages.
New rules announced this week fine businesses ZiG2,000 for pricing goods above the official rate of ZiG13.56 to US$1.
Economists say full ZiG acceptance for fuel depends on a stable exchange rate and fuel dealers being able to import stock using ZiG.
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