Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana says there are no shortages.

Mnangagwa adds saying the current shortages are artificial shortages created by panic buying.

Mangwana also criticised retailers for hiking their prices because of a “mere announcement” of a 2% transfer tax. He said, “Circulation of fake news on social media that incite people to engage in bulk buying has resulted in some artificial shortages. It is based on profiteering, which is greed.

“There is also an element that this could be political. Surely, what is the connection between a mere announcement of the 2 percent mobile transfer tax and the hiking of prices from $3 to $11?

“I urge the people of Zimbabwe to stop panic buying. Remain calm and engage with the Government where necessary. There is enough fuel. There is, at anytime, over 300 million litres of fuel at Msasa depot. The foreign currency that was needed to release the fuel from the Msasa depot where it was bonded, was availed. People are only queuing because there is fuel at the stations.

“People are surging, going in numbers to fuel up. People are going with their drums to fill up after fake news that there will be a shortage. Such long queues are expected. Right now, when it comes to other supplies, there are good stocks. Obviously things are running off the shelves, but people cannot pack the shelves fast enough. That is where the actual problem is.”