The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, in partnership with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), has assured Ugandans of continued fuel availability despite disruptions to global oil shipments triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry noted that the crisis has impacted cargo movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global transit route that handles roughly 20 percent of the world’s petroleum supply.
Despite the disruption, officials said Uganda’s current fuel reserves remain sufficient to meet short-term national demand.
As of March 27, the country had stocks of approximately 81 million litres of petrol, 80 million litres of diesel, and 18.5 million litres of Jet A-1 fuel. These volumes translate into about 22 days of petrol cover, 23 days for diesel, and 30 days for aviation fuel, expected to last through the end of April.
The government added that additional fuel shipments have already been secured, with deliveries scheduled between late March and April through Kenya’s port of Mombasa.
To further bolster supply security, supplementary imports will also be routed through Tanzania’s ports of Tanga, Dar es Salaam, and Mtwara.
Authorities estimate that the incoming consignments will include about 195 million litres of petrol, 155 million litres of diesel, and 24 million litres of Jet A-1 fuel. These are projected to extend national fuel cover by 52 days for petrol, 44 days for diesel, and 39 days for aviation fuel.
The Ministry reassured key sectors, including transport, aviation, and the wider business community, that fuel supply in the country remains stable and uninterrupted despite global uncertainties.
Officials attributed the resilience to diversified sourcing strategies, noting that UNOC’s suppliers are able to procure petroleum products from alternative markets outside the conflict-affected region.
However, the government cautioned that external factors such as fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and international oil prices may still impact pump prices locally.
It also dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting an imminent fuel shortage, describing them as false and likely to incite unnecessary panic and speculative pricing.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to maintaining national energy security and ensuring consistent supply of petroleum products across the country amid evolving global market conditions.
