"Of course, reforms are never easy but the outcome, in the end, will be a good one. We did say that we are currently going through necessary austerity but the prosperity is going to be beautiful. We have a clear vision, vision 2030. We are asking people to be patient. I think in the next couple of years they will agree with us", Ncube said, when asked how the government would respond to protests over a rise in fuel prices.
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Over the weekend, the prices of fuel were more than doubled, which provoked nationwide rallies in cities like Zimbabwe’s capital Harare and Bulawayo on Monday. Police confronted demonstrators in the streets, and according to media reports, used tear gas on them. Several people were reportedly killed during the protests.
Countries in the region like South Africa and Zambia have similar fuel costs to Zimbabwe, with South Africa selling petrol at around $1.20 per litre and Zambia selling petrol at $1.71 per litre.