Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa has issued a tough warning to fuel dealers, declaring that any Oil Marketing Company caught hoarding fuel will have its license cancelled. Speaking in Kampala, the minister insisted Uganda’s fuel situation is stable, secure and fully under control, despite global tensions shaking oil supply chains. She revealed that over 385 million […]
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa has issued a tough warning to fuel dealers, declaring that any Oil Marketing Company caught hoarding fuel will have its license cancelled.
Speaking in Kampala, the minister insisted Uganda’s fuel situation is stable, secure and fully under control, despite global tensions shaking oil supply chains.
She revealed that over 385 million litres of fuel including petrol, diesel and jet fuel are expected into the country between May and mid-June.
“These volumes, combined with existing stocks, give us enough fuel to last up to 67 days for petrol, 84 days for diesel and 89 days for jet fuel,” she said.
But behind the rising pump prices, Nankabirwa pointed a finger at global crude oil costs and smuggling at the borders.
Districts like Arua, Busia, Kisoro and Kasese are seeing the highest prices, driven by cross-border demand and transit traffic.
At the same time, authorities have caught individuals sneaking fuel across borders in jerrycans, as illegal trade surges.
“Some people are missing smuggling and quick money, but this must stop,” she warned.
She dismissed fears of a national shortage, explaining that the few fuel station stock-outs being reported are due to logistical and supply chain hiccups, not lack of fuel.
To cushion Ugandans, government has tightened control of supply through UNOC, negotiated better prices and diversified import sources.
The developments come as government rolled out the new National Petroleum Policy 2025, aimed at strengthening the sector and securing Uganda’s oil future.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa described the oil sector as key to Uganda’s economic transformation, but warned that the country must avoid overdependence on petroleum.
