Business 4 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
East Africa Fuel Prices Show Sharp Regional Differences Amid Global Surge
Fuel prices across East Africa vary significantly, with Nairobi offering the lowest rates while Kigali remains the most expensive, even as Middle East tensions push global oil to $120 per barrel. Uganda maintains ample fuel stocks to meet short-term demands, according to government assurances. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/east-africa-s-fuel-prices-a-tale-of-contrasts-5413428
Motorists in East Africa faced a patchwork of fuel prices on Friday, highlighting regional disparities amid rising global oil costs.
Nairobi led with the cheapest options at KShs 178.28 per litre for premium petrol and KShs 166.54 for diesel, according to regional consultant Peter Ochieng. Kigali topped the charts with premium petrol at Rwf 2,303 (KShs 205) per litre and diesel at Rwf 2,205 (KShs 196).
In Kampala, prices stood at Shs 5,350 (KShs 184) for premium petrol and Shs 5,150 (KShs 177) for diesel, while Dar es Salaam charged 3,820 TShs (KShs 191) for petrol and 3,806 TShs (KShs 190) for diesel.
The Middle East conflict has driven oil prices from $70 to around $120 per barrel, with disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz threatening 20% of global supply. Experts caution that prolonged issues could hike freight costs to East African ports, risking shortages and price spikes.
Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, alongside UNOC, confirmed sufficient stocks as of March 27: 81 million litres of petrol, 80 million of diesel, and 18.5 million of Jet A-1. UNOC’s alternative global partners ensure steady supplies via Mombasa, with deliveries expected through April.
This article is based on reporting from Daily Monitor (Uganda).