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Susan Nyamangodo Manicaland Correspondent
Commuter omnibus operators in Mutare on Tuesday hiked fares to a maximum of $3 from $2 per trip following an increase in fuel prices, leaving residents fuming.

Mrs Enia Kuwaza told The Herald that the new fares were beyond their reach since they have not had a salary increment in a long time.

“The commuter omnibus fare from town to Chikanga is now $2,50 or $3 at times. We cannot afford it,” said Mrs Kuwaza.

However, commuter omnibus operators said there was little they could do other than passing on the cost to passengers.

“We are not increasing fares willy-nilly. Fuel prices were increased and we in turn revised fares to remain viable,” said Mr Dylan Zisengwe.

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) implemented a 22 percent increase in the prices of petrol and diesel on Monday.

Petrol now costs $7, 47 a litre up from $6,10.

Diesel now costs $7,19 a litre, from $5,96.