Richard Shumba
Shoppers in Gweru are feeling the pinch as the prices of essential commodities continue to climb, making daily living increasingly difficult for ordinary households.
While official inflation figures suggest modest increases, many consumers report that the cost of staples like bread, mealie meal, and transport has risen sharply, leaving families struggling to make ends meet.
Latest data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) shows that annual inflation stood at around 3.8 percent in February 2026, reflecting a marginal decline from the previous month.
Month-on-month inflation rose slightly by 0.1 percent, while food prices recorded a small decrease.
However, on the ground in Gweru, consumers say the situation is different, as the cost of living continues to rise, particularly for transport, rentals, and essential commodities.
“I don’t understand how inflation is going down when everything is going up. Transport fares have increased, groceries are expensive, and salaries are not changing,” said one consumer, Silibaziso Mguni, in the city.
While inflation may be slowing, it does not mean prices are decreasing, but rather that they are increasing at a slower rate.
Recent data from local supermarkets and vendors shows that staple goods have recorded significant increases.
A snap survey conducted by this reporter revealed that the price of a standard loaf of bread, which was generally around US$1 or less in 2025, is now selling for between US$1 and US$1.17.
Similarly, a 10kg bag of mealie meal, a staple for most households, has risen from an average range of US$5.30 – US$7.90 to as high as US$10.80 depending on the type.
These increases are placing additional strain on household budgets.
The rising cost of commodities has also been linked to increasing fuel prices, which have been driven by global developments, including the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran.
Disruptions to oil supply through key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz have pushed global oil prices near US$100 per barrel, raising fuel costs worldwide.
Higher fuel prices impact transport and production, which in turn push up the cost of goods and services.
The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has acknowledged the concerns raised by consumers regarding rising prices, particularly in urban centres such as Gweru.
Speaking on the issue, CCZ Gweru representative Chiedza Harunashe said the organisation continues to handle consumer complaints through its mandate.
“As the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe, we are mandated to handle consumer disputes through conciliation and arbitration in line with the Consumer Protection Act. We facilitate amicable settlements between consumers and suppliers, and where necessary, move to arbitration to ensure a fair and binding resolution,” she said.
Harunashe, however, clarified that the council does not regulate prices.
“First of all, the CCZ does not control prices. And in Zimbabwe at the moment, there is no price control,” she said, adding that the council conducts research to inform policymakers, who are responsible for crafting policies that protect consumers.
Despite easing inflation figures, experts warn that continued global instability, particularly in energy markets, could sustain upward pressure on prices.
For many consumers in Gweru, the key concern remains affordability, as incomes continue to lag behind the rising cost of living.
