By A Correspondent- Transport operators plying rural routes have significantly hiked fares as travellers visiting their rural homes for the festive season increase.

According to the state media here are the new fares for distances starting from Bulawayo:

1. Bulawayo-Nkayi route are now charging $80 for a single trip from $60 while those using kombis have to part with at least $120 from $100 for the same distance.
2. Kombis plying the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho route charge $70. Previously they charged $50.
3. Buses are charging $100 for a trip from Bulawayo to Lupane
4. From Bulawayo to Binga people will have to fork out $200 from $150 for a single trip.

Transport operators have however blamed the mayhem on the acute shortage of diesel, one operator who spoke to the publication said:

Usually during this time of the year, we increase fares due to demand, but in this case, the push factor is a shortage of diesel, which we are now sourcing from the black market at an exorbitant price. Unfortunately, we are then left with no other option but to pass the buck to our passengers.

-StateMedia