On 12 January, the Government of Zimbabwe announced a sharp increase in fuel prices, which became effective on 13 January. The prices of diesel and gasoline more than doubled to USD 3.11 and USD 3.31 per litre, respectively. The increase was mainly due to currency shortages that diminished the government’s capacity to import fuel and consequently caused a significant decline in domestic supplies since October. The increase in fuel prices is likely to add further upward pressure to food prices, which had already spiked in November last year reflecting deficits of foreign exchange and a reduced value of the local currency.