Long queues in Uganda as fears of fuel shortage grow

Uganda is facing a looming fuel shortage and a sharp spike in prices linked to global oil supply disruptions, shipping delays and the ongoing Middle East conflict, even as the government maintains that supplies of the commodity remain stable.

The situation, which has been experienced in some parts of the country for close to a week now, has raised fears of wider economic strain as transport costs, food prices and industrial expenses begin to rise.

Local media have reported long queues at several filling stations across the East African country, as pump prices have risen sharply amid concerns over delayed cargo shipments through key regional supply routes.

As a landlocked nation heavily reliant on imported petroleum products routed through Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda has recorded sharp fuel price increases of between 500 and 1,000 Ugandan shillings ($0.13–$0.27) per liter in border areas and the capital Kampala, with petrol prices climbing to as high as 5,800 shillings ($1.57) per liter in some locations.

Despite the panic, the government has reassured the public that the country's fuel supply remains stable, with sufficient stocks and additional shipments already scheduled to reinforce national reserves in the coming weeks.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in collaboration with the Uganda National Oil Company, officials confirmed that routine monitoring of fuel stocks and supply chains shows Uganda's petroleum supply system remains "reliable and well-managed".

The squeeze comes as global crude markets remain volatile following escalating tensions in the Middle East, a region central to world oil production and maritime trade.

The situation mirrors a broader trend unfolding across Africa, where many import-dependent economies are grappling with surging energy costs and supply uncertainty.

In Malawi, one of the hardest-hit countries, authorities have reportedly turned to emergency financing measures, including plans for a $120 million trade facility and the mobilization of gold reserves, to secure fuel imports.

The southern African nation has faced persistent foreign exchange shortages that have hampered its ability to pay for petroleum cargo, resulting in long queues and steep retail price increases.

Nigeria, despite being Africa's biggest oil producer, has continued to battle elevated domestic petrol prices following subsidy reforms and exchange rate pressures.