Govt says fuel supplies stable despite shortages, rising prices
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) say Uganda has enough fuel stocks and incoming shipments to keep the country running, even as shortages and price spikes emerge in some areas.
In a statement released Tuesday, officials said national fuel supply remains “stable, sufficient and well-managed,” pushing back against growing public concern triggered by dry pumps at some stations and higher prices in border towns.
Government data shows Uganda had 70.5 million litres of petrol as of April 20, about 19 days of supply, alongside 43.2 million litres of diesel (12 days) and 32 million litres of jet fuel, equivalent to 53 days of cover.
Authorities say shipments expected between May and June will bring in 183 million litres of petrol and 258 million litres of diesel, significantly boosting reserves, along with 23 million litres of jet fuel.
The government framed the situation not as a shortage but as a distribution problem.
Some filling stations running out of fuel is “mainly attributed to logistical operations affecting individual oil marketing companies,” the statement said, pointing to supply chain bottlenecks rather than a national deficit.
Still, pressure is showing at the edges. In towns near the country’s borders, including Arua and Tororo, pump prices have climbed, driven in part by cross-border demand as traders move fuel into neighbouring markets where it fetches higher prices.
Officials say they are engaging fuel companies where price increases appear unjustified. Fuel prices in Uganda remain vulnerable to global oil markets, currency shifts and geopolitical tensions, factors the government says it is monitoring closely.
The reassurance comes as fuel costs continue to ripple through the economy, influencing transport fares and the price of basic goods. Even localised shortages can quickly spark wider anxiety.
Authorities are urging the public not to panic buy, warning that hoarding could strain distribution further.
Behind the scenes, Uganda is leaning on regional supply routes, including Kenya’s port of Mombasa and Tanzanian corridors, to maintain steady inflows. For now, the government’s message is clear: supply is holding, but the system is being tested.
