Riot police confront fuel price protesters

Riot police fired teargas to disperse groups of protesters in western Harare on Monday as tension mounted over huge fuel price hikes, AP reported. Riot police patrolled the impoverished western township of Mabvuku after residents had attempted to negotiate with commuter bus operators to reduce fares which had been increased to make up for a 70 percent rise in the fuel price, imposed on 13 June. No arrests or injuries were reported.

Witnesses said police searched cars, taxis and passengers waiting for buses in Mabvuku, a militant opposition stronghold 20 km east of the city centre. Rioting last October, sparked by 15 percent fuel and food price increases, began in Mabvuku. Protesters reportedly jeered police and rolled rocks and battered oil drums onto some roads. Groups of protesters later dispersed.

The residents were demanding fares, increased from 25 Zimbabwe dollars (US $0.44) to 40 Zimbabwe dollars (US $0.71) last week, be dropped to 30 Zimbabwe dollars (US $0.53). In southern Harare, some buses cut their fares and others stayed parked after owners feared violence if they did not slash their fares. Food price increases are expected by the end of June. Authorities say the fuel price increase was needed to bring in more money to buy foreign currency to import fuel, but critics say corruption at the national oil company contributed to the price increases.