Problems with production at Mutare Board and Paper Mills have caused the Zimpapers to reduce print runs for its newspapers, the publishing group's chief executive announced Tuesday.

Justin Mutasa apologised to readers and advertisers in a statement, and said the group's Harare Branch uses 100 tons of newsprint each week, while its Bulawayo Branch uses 30 tons, All Africa reported Wednesday.

“Since last week Harare Branch has been getting 14 tonnes a week and Bulawayo four tonnes. This is totally inadequate. We are, therefore, printing very few copies of newspapers under our titles because of the acute shortages,” Mutasa stated, according to All Africa.

Zimpapers publishes The Herald, The Chronicle, The Sunday Mail, The Sunday News, Kwayedza and The Manica Post. Mutare Board and Paper Mills is the only newsprint supplier in the local market, All Africa reported.