By Patience Gondo
THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has opened applications for 2026 fuel import licences keeping the reduced fee of US$15,000 a 50% cut from the US$30,000 charged in 2025.
In a notice on Sunday ZERA said payment alone will not guarantee approval.
“Payment without submitting complete application documents does not warrant the issuance of a licence,” ZERA said.
Applicants must submit a completed application form and provide evidence of importing at least 10 million litres of fuel combining petrol and diesel in 2025 or in any single year between 2022 and 2024.
Alternatively applicants can demonstrate ownership of at least three fuel retail sites through title deeds or management of three retail sites through leasing agreements registered in their name. All supporting documents must be certified copies.
Applications must be sent via email to licensing@zera.co.zw. Only PDF submissions below 10MB will be accepted.
“Applications sent to any other email address will be rejected. Forms can be downloaded from www.zera.co.zw or requested via email.”ZERA said.
The 2026 licensing process reflects stricter compliance rules following reforms introduced last year.
Government said the fee reduction and streamlined procedures is designed to cut costs, encourage formalisation of businesses, attract investment and support the struggling retail sector.
In the 2025 licensing cycle, ZERA processed nearly 1000 applications almost matching the total number of fuel retailers at the time demonstrating strong industry participation despite tighter checks.