The Government has stepped in to reassure the public that Uganda’s fuel supply remains steady, even as escalating tensions in the Middle East continue to rattle global oil markets.
In a joint statement released on March 30, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) said the country currently holds enough fuel stocks to comfortably meet demand through the end of April.
The assurance comes amid growing concern over disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit corridor responsible for about 20 percent of the world’s petroleum flows where ongoing conflict has slowed shipments.
Officials revealed that by March 27, Uganda had stockpiled approximately 81 million litres of petrol, 80 million litres of diesel, and 18.5 million litres of Jet A-1 fuel. These reserves translate into about 22 days of petrol supply, 23 days of diesel, and up to a month’s worth of aviation fuel providing a crucial buffer against short-term shocks.
To reinforce this cushion, more fuel consignments are already in the pipeline. Deliveries expected between late March and April primarily through Kenya’s port of Mombasa, with additional volumes routed via Tanzania’s ports of Tanga, Dar es Salaam, and Mtwara are set to significantly extend national reserves. Projections show fuel cover could rise to as much as 52 days for petrol and 44 days for diesel once the shipments arrive.
Government officials attribute this stability to deliberate efforts to diversify supply sources beyond the Middle East. UNOC and its international partners have secured alternative suppliers and routes, helping shield Uganda from the full impact of global disruptions.
“We wish to reassure the transportation sector, aviation industry, business community, and the general public that Uganda’s fuel supply remains secure, stable, and continuous,” the statement noted.
Even so, authorities warned that local pump prices may still fluctuate, driven by global oil price movements and foreign exchange shifts factors beyond domestic control.
The government also dismissed what it called misleading information circulating on social media, cautioning that such claims risk sparking unnecessary panic and speculative behavior in the market.
With geopolitical uncertainty still unfolding, officials say they are closely monitoring global developments, maintaining that safeguarding Uganda’s energy security remains a top priority.
