Panic of the rich worsens in Zimbabwe

HARARE


The worsening gasoline shortages caused panic among drivers Friday who had bought coupons entitling them to gas with hard currency. Gas stations were rationing fuel to the coupon holders following an announcement Thursday by Industry Minister Obert Mpofu that coupons will be invalid after Aug. 1.

The hard currency coupon system had been legalized in 2000 when severe fuel shortages began.

The government-ordered price cuts brought gasoline down to less than half what it costs to import it. Regular supplies dried up, crippling commuter transport and closing stores and shops that use gas-driven generators during the nation