energy 13 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Needs Vehicle-Adjusted Fuel Reserves Amid Global Oil Crisis
Escalating oil prices from the US-Israel-Iran conflict threaten Uganda's economy, exposing inadequate fuel storage that covers just days of demand despite UNOC upgrades. Authorities must scale reserves based on surging vehicle numbers and decentralize storage regionally. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/editorial/govt-should-consider-number-of-vehicles-as-it-fixes-fuel-storage-capacity-5390510
Global oil prices have exceeded $100 per barrel due to supply disruptions from the US and Israel’s war with Iran. Iran’s strikes on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route handling one-fifth of world oil demand, have intensified the crisis.
The International Energy Agency released 400 million barrels from member stockpiles, but warned of an 8 million barrel daily supply drop this month—8% of global demand—as Gulf states cut production by 10 million barrels per day. Uganda will soon face these ripple effects.
UNOC plans to boost Jinja Terminal capacity from 30 million to 40 million litres. With daily consumption at 7 million litres (44,015 barrels), current stocks last only 4.2 days. The upcoming Kampala Terminal will add 320 million litres, totaling 360 million—enough for 51 days.
While upgrades are positive, they fall short. Historical reserves built under Idi Amin matched then-vehicle numbers, now increased over tenfold. Planners must recalibrate storage to current vehicles and build regional facilities to counter war-driven threats.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)