Gov’t assures public of stable fuel supply amid Middle East disruptions
In a joint statement, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Uganda National Oil Company Limited [UNOC] said the crisis has affected shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global transit route that handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply
KAMPALA, March 31, 2026 — The Government of Ugandan has reassured Ugandans and key sectors of the economy that the country’s fuel supply remains stable and sufficient despite disruptions to global oil shipments caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
In a joint statement, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Uganda National Oil Company Limited [UNOC] said the crisis has affected shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global transit route that handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply. However, officials emphasised that Uganda’s inland supply chain remains resilient.
As of March 27, Uganda had approximately 81 million litres of petrol, 80 million litres of diesel, and 18.5 million litres of Jet A-1 in stock. These reserves are projected to sustain national demand for about 22 days for petrol, 23 days for diesel, and up to 30 days for aviation fuel, effectively covering supply needs until the end of April.
Authorities also confirmed that additional fuel shipments are already scheduled, with deliveries expected through Kenya’s port of Mombasa from late March into April. These will be supplemented by imports via Tanzania’s ports of Tanga, Dar es Salaam, and Mtwara to further strengthen supply security.
The incoming consignments are estimated to include 195 million litres of petrol, 155 million litres of diesel, and 24 million litres of Jet A-1. Once received, these volumes will extend Uganda’s fuel cover by an additional 52 days for petrol, 44 days for diesel, and 39 days for aviation fuel.
Officials said the diversification of supply routes and sourcing from regions outside the Middle East has been key to maintaining steady fuel availability despite global uncertainties.
“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 said.
The Ministry and UNOC added that they are closely monitoring external factors such as foreign exchange fluctuations and international oil prices, which could influence pump prices in the coming weeks.
The Government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national energy security and warned the public against misinformation circulating on social media, saying such claims are unfounded and risk causing unnecessary panic.
UNOC, working under the guidance of the Ministry, said it will continue engaging its international supply partners to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply to the country.
Meanwhile, government maintains first commercial oil is scheduled for production by July 2026. This follows significant progress in development, with the Kingfisher and Tilenga projects undergoing final, intensive construction of wells and processing facilities to meet this deadline after previous delays.
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