By Diana N. Kintu
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, in partnership with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), has reassured the public that Uganda’s fuel supply remains secure and stable despite ongoing disruptions to global oil shipments linked to conflict in the Middle East.
In a joint statement released this week, the two institutions confirmed that the country has sufficient fuel reserves to sustain demand in the short to medium term. As of 27 March, Uganda’s inland fuel stocks stood at approximately 81 million litres of petrol, 80 million litres of diesel, and 18.5 million litres of Jet A-1 aviation fuel.
Officials explained that these volumes translate into an estimated 22 days of stock cover for petrol, 23 days for diesel, and up to 30 days for Jet A-1. This, they noted, is sufficient to guarantee continued supply across the country through to the end of April 2026.
To further reinforce supply security, additional fuel shipments have already been confirmed and are expected to arrive between late March and April. These deliveries will be channelled through regional entry points, including Kenya’s port of Mombasa, as well as Tanzania’s ports of Tanga, Dar es Salaam, and Mtwara.
The anticipated consignments are projected to significantly boost national reserves, with an additional 195 million litres of petrol, 155 million litres of diesel, and 24 million litres of Jet A-1 set to be delivered. Once received, these volumes are expected to extend Uganda’s fuel stock cover by more than a month, providing an additional buffer against any further global supply shocks.
“We therefore wish to reassure key business partners, including the transport sector, aviation industry, the wider business community, and the general public, that Uganda’s fuel supply remains secure, stable, and continuous despite the ongoing Middle East conflict,” the statement read.
The assurance comes amid heightened global concern over fuel supply chains, as geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt oil production and shipping routes. However, Ugandan authorities emphasised that the country’s energy security framework is designed to withstand such external shocks through diversified sourcing and regional supply routes.
While the supply outlook remains positive, the Ministry and UNOC acknowledged that international market dynamics could still have an impact on domestic fuel prices. They indicated that authorities will continue to closely monitor foreign exchange rates and global oil price movements to manage potential fluctuations at the pump.
“We remain vigilant in tracking developments in the international oil market and exchange rate trends to ensure that any necessary interventions are timely and effective,” officials noted.
The statement also addressed circulating misinformation on social media, dismissing claims of an imminent fuel shortage as unfounded. Authorities urged the public to rely on official communication channels for accurate information and to avoid panic buying.
Uganda, which relies heavily on imported petroleum products, has in recent years strengthened its fuel supply chain through regional partnerships and strategic planning. Officials say these efforts are now proving critical in maintaining stability during periods of global uncertainty.