Harare tightens rules for new fuel stations

By Staff Reporter

HARARE — September 8, 2026 — The City of Harare has tightened requirements for new fuel service stations, introducing a minimum 1.5km separation between stations, mandatory public notices and environmental assessments before construction can begin.

The new guidelines were disclosed during a tour of fuel service stations by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Energy and Power Development, amid growing concern over the rapid expansion of fuel stations, particularly in residential areas. Acting director of Urban Planning Samuel Nyabezi told the committee that the measures were designed to bring greater order, safety and public participation to the approval of new service stations.

Under the new requirements, developers must have a stand measuring at least 2,000 square metres before a service station can be considered. The larger minimum stand size is intended to provide sufficient space for the station and associated ancillary facilities. The council will also require a minimum distance of 1.5km between service stations. Developers seeking approval will be required to erect a billboard at the proposed site displaying details of the development and relevant plans.

The notice must also inform members of the public and neighbouring property owners of their right to lodge objections or make representations to the local planning authority. Those objections will form part of the council's consideration before a final decision is made on an application. The new requirements also place greater emphasis on environmental and regulatory approvals.

Developers will need an Environmental Impact Assessment approved by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), as well as approval from the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), before construction can proceed. The measures are particularly significant for developments close to residential properties, where fuel storage and dispensing infrastructure can create safety and environmental concerns.

According to the council, minimum separation requirements will apply between fuel infrastructure and residential properties. Where a proposed service station shares a boundary with residential stands, developers will also be required to construct specified boundary walls.

Nyabezi said applications would continue to be considered individually under the new guidelines rather than being approved automatically once the basic requirements had been met.

The announcement comes as Harare faces increasing pressure over land-use planning and the location of commercial developments within established residential neighbourhoods. During the committee's tour, legislators questioned council officials over why some existing service stations had been approved in locations close to homes.

The questions put the spotlight on the distinction between regulating future developments and addressing stations that were approved under previous planning arrangements. The committee's visit is expected to contribute to wider discussions on fuel station development, planning approvals and public safety in Zimbabwe's urban areas. For Harare residents, the new public-notice requirement could also provide an important avenue for communities to raise concerns before construction begins, particularly where proposed developments are located close to homes, schools or other sensitive sites.

The effectiveness of the new measures, however, will depend on consistent enforcement by the council and compliance with environmental and energy-sector regulations by developers.

Harare fuel stations