No Fuel Crisis: Government Confirms Sufficient National Reserves

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, in partnership with the Uganda National Oil Company Limited (UNOC), has reassured Ugandans of a steady and reliable supply of petroleum products despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East that have disrupted global oil transit routes.

According to government officials, the conflict has affected shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil corridor responsible for transporting about 20 percent of the world’s oil, including supplies destined for Uganda.

Despite these disruptions, the government says Uganda’s fuel reserves and inland supply chain remain stable and capable of meeting short-term national demand. As of 27th March 2026, the country held approximately 81 million litres of petrol, 80 million litres of diesel, and about 18.5 million litres of Jet A-1 fuel.

“These volumes translate to approximately 22 days of stock cover for petrol, 23 days for diesel, and 30 days for Jet A-1, effectively taking the country through to the end of April 2026,” the Ministry said in a statement.

To reinforce supply, the Ministry, through UNOC, expects confirmed fuel shipments between late March and April 2026, primarily via the port of Mombasa. Additional supplies will also be routed through Tanzania’s ports of Tanga, Dar es Salaam, and Mtwara to strengthen supply security.

The anticipated deliveries include about 195 million litres of petrol, 155 million litres of diesel, and 24 million litres of Jet A-1. These are expected to extend Uganda’s fuel reserves by an additional 52 days for petrol, 44 days for diesel, and 39 days for Jet A-1.

“We wish to reassure key stakeholders, including the transport sector, aviation industry, business community, and the general public, that Uganda’s fuel supply remains secure, stable, and continuous despite the ongoing Middle East conflict,” the statement added. “This is supported by UNOC’s diversified supply sources outside the affected region.”

While supply remains stable, the Ministry noted it will continue monitoring factors such as foreign exchange rates and global oil prices, which could influence pump prices.

Speaking to THEUGPOST, Dr. Patricia Litho, Assistant Commissioner for Communications and Information Management at the Ministry, said the government is engaging fuel suppliers to ensure price increases remain controlled.

“We met with fuel suppliers on Monday and are working with them to ensure that prices do not exceed the 300-shilling increase already registered,” she said.

Dr Litho explained that fuel pricing in Uganda is largely determined by market forces. “In Uganda, we do not set fuel prices. They are guided by market dynamics, but we expect suppliers to remain reasonable. Where prices go beyond acceptable levels, the government can intervene,” she explained.

UNOC, under the guidance of the Ministry, continues to work closely with its international supply partners to maintain consistent fuel availability, even amid global market uncertainties.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national energy security and cautioned the public against misinformation circulating on social media.

“This message also serves to clarify misrepresentations being shared online, which are not factual and may cause unnecessary panic or exploitation,” the Ministry stated.