The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has officially released the criteria and fee structure for fuel and gas companies seeking legal authorisation to operate in 2026. In a public notice issued this week, the regulator reminded all petroleum and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) operators that their current licences expire on 31 December 2025, necessitating immediate applications for the upcoming fiscal year.
The 2026 fee schedule, outlined in accordance with the Petroleum (Licence Fees) Regulations, maintains a structured approach across procurement, wholesale, and retail categories. Under the new guidelines, a Petroleum Procurement licence—essential for companies importing fuel—is set at US$30,000. Wholesale licences for both petroleum and LPG are priced at US$9,200 and US$8,000 respectively. For retailers, the fees remain tiered to support small-scale and rural enterprises: urban petroleum retail licences cost US$500, while rural operators pay a reduced fee of US$200. LPG retail licences are similarly set at US$200.
Beyond financial requirements, ZERA emphasized that renewals are subject to rigorous compliance audits. Applicants must submit a comprehensive checklist including monthly returns from the previous year, local authority permits, Fire Brigade certificates, and EMA Hazardous Substance licences for their storage facilities. New fuel import applicants are further required to prove they manage at least three retail sites and demonstrate significant historical import volumes.
ZERA reiterated that operating without a valid licence is a violation of Section 29 of the Petroleum Act. The authority remains mandated to regulate the sector to ensure fuel quality, price surveillance, and safety standards are maintained for the benefit of both consumers and suppliers. Operators are encouraged to submit their applications before the year-end deadline to avoid service disruptions.