HARARE—Zimbabwe’s government has launched a major initiative to blend ethanol into diesel as part of a broader strategy to ease soaring fuel costs and reduce dependence on imported petroleum. The move, announced amid persistent economic pressures and global fuel price volatility, marks a significant expansion of the country’s biofuel policy, which already mandates ethanol blending in petrol. Officials say the trials, conducted in partnership with private sector entities, aim to cut fuel import bills and stabilize prices for consumers and businesses.
The decision comes as Zimbabwe grapples with a 20% increase in diesel consumption over the past year, driven by industrial activity and transportation demands. With global energy markets disrupted by geopolitical tensions—including the US-Israeli conflict and its impact on Middle Eastern oil supplies—the government is accelerating efforts to diversify its fuel sources. Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo has overseen the trials, which involve testing the compatibility and performance of diesel-ethanol blends in real-world conditions.
While the government has not yet disclosed the exact percentage of ethanol planned for diesel blends, sources close to the initiative confirm that the trials are being conducted in select locations, with close monitoring by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA). The authority has previously enforced mandatory ethanol blending for petrol under Statutory Instrument 150 of 2024, which took effect on August 30, 2024, and banned the sale of unleaded petrol without ethanol. This new phase targets diesel, a critical fuel for industry and agriculture.
ZERA’s Chief Executive Officer, Eddington Mazambani, has emphasized that the blending policy is designed to strengthen local biofuel production and reduce the strain on foreign currency reserves. “This initiative is not just about cost savings; it’s about energy security and sustainability,” Mazambani said in a statement. “By promoting locally produced ethanol, we can mitigate the impact of global price shocks and create jobs in the biofuels sector.”
Expanding Biofuel Policy: From Petrol to Diesel
Zimbabwe’s push to blend ethanol into diesel is part of a broader regional trend in Southern Africa, where countries are exploring renewable fuel alternatives to cut costs and emissions. The government’s decision to mandate ethanol in petrol earlier this year—raising the blend from E5 to E10—has already demonstrated the feasibility of such policies. Officials are now eyeing a potential increase to E20 in the future, a move that could further reduce reliance on imported fuels.
According to Statutory Instrument 150 of 2024, all petrol sold in Zimbabwe must now contain a specified percentage of ethanol, a regulation enforced by ZERA. The authority has also clamped down on non-compliance, issuing directives to fuel retailers to adhere strictly to the new standards. This regulatory framework sets the stage for the diesel blending trials, which are being conducted in partnership with private companies like Green Fuel.
While the trials are still in their early stages, early indications suggest that the blends are performing as expected, with no significant issues reported in engine compatibility or fuel stability. The government is closely monitoring emissions and environmental impacts, ensuring that the transition aligns with international standards.
Who Stands to Gain—and Who May Face Challenges?
The diesel-ethanol blending initiative is expected to benefit a wide range of stakeholders. For consumers, the policy could lead to more stable fuel prices, shielding households and businesses from sudden spikes in global oil prices. Farmers and industrial sectors, which are heavy diesel users, may also see cost savings, particularly if the trials prove successful and blending becomes permanent.
However, the transition is not without its challenges. Small-scale fuel retailers and transport operators may require investments in new equipment or storage facilities to handle ethanol-blended diesel. The government has not yet announced any subsidies or support packages for these sectors, leaving some industry players concerned about the upfront costs of compliance.
environmental groups are watching closely to ensure that increased ethanol production does not lead to deforestation or competition with food crops. Zimbabwe has vast sugarcane and maize fields, which are potential sources of ethanol feedstock, but sustainable practices will be key to avoiding unintended consequences.
What’s Next: Trials, Regulations, and the Road Ahead
As the diesel-ethanol trials progress, the government is expected to release detailed findings and consider whether to expand the policy nationwide. Officials have indicated that a decision on permanent blending will depend on the success of the current tests and the availability of sufficient ethanol supplies.
For now, the focus remains on refining the process and ensuring that the new fuel meets international quality standards. The Ministry of Energy and Power Development will continue to collaborate with ZERA and private sector partners to address any technical or logistical hurdles. The next major checkpoint will be the publication of official trial results, likely within the next three to six months, which will guide the next phase of the policy.
In the meantime, Zimbabwe’s experiment with diesel-ethanol blending offers a glimpse into the future of African energy policy—a future where renewable fuels play a central role in economic resilience and sustainability. For businesses, consumers, and policymakers alike, the trials represent a critical step toward a more secure and affordable energy landscape.
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