news 21 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Faces Fuel Shortages Amid Distribution Woes, Not Supply Crisis: Ministry
Fuel stations in Kampala are experiencing stockouts and price hikes due to distribution challenges, but the government assures ample national reserves and incoming shipments. Officials attribute local issues to logistics rather than overall shortages linked to global tensions. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/is-uganda-running-out-of-fuel--5431542
Motorists and transporters in Kampala have faced difficulties accessing fuel, with many stations turning away customers and pump prices fluctuating sharply. Petrol prices ranged from Shs5,140 to Shs5,599 per litre, while diesel varied between Shs5,300 and Shs5,500, according to a recent spot check of 30 outlets.
The Uganda Bus Owners Association reports intermittent shortages over the past two weeks, alongside rises of Shs200-500 per litre since Monday. Operators are monitoring the situation before adjusting fares to spare passengers further strain.
Global factors, including the Strait of Hormuz being 90 percent closed due to the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, have tightened world oil supplies. Uganda sources most fuel from the Middle East, but national stocks remain stable: 70.5 million litres of petrol (19 days), 43.2 million litres of diesel (12 days), and 32 million litres of jet fuel (53 days) as of April 20, 2026.
The Ministry of Energy and Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) state that dry pumps stem from logistical issues at individual oil marketing companies, not a national deficit. Incoming shipments from May to June will add 183 million litres of petrol, 258 million litres of diesel, and 23 million litres of jet fuel, extending coverage significantly.
Finance Ministry officials urge calm, emphasizing no economic crisis and ongoing monitoring to curb unjustified price hikes, especially in border areas driven by cross-border demand. Industry experts note smaller dealers pay premiums to larger ones, exacerbating local shortages despite healthy national levels.
Trucks are already en route from Mombasa, with UNOC coordinating distribution. The public is advised against panic buying.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)