Fuel Crisis Devastates Nebbi Produce Dealers and Transporters

Produce dealers in Nebbi are suffering heavy losses due to skyrocketing fuel prices, which have forced them to increase food costs significantly. Customers now trek long distances to find affordable alternatives.

At Nebbi main market, a bunch of matooke has jumped from Shs10,000 to Shs18,000 since early this month. Beans now sell for Shs3,000 per kilo, up from Shs2,000, while cassava flour has risen from Shs600 to Shs1,000 per kilo and posho to Shs3,000.

Veteran trader Beatrice Otim, with 15 years in the business, explained that sourcing beans and maize from DR-Congo has become challenging. Transport costs for a sack have climbed from Shs10,000 to Shs15,000, slashing her stock purchases from Shs2 million to Shs1 million on market days and hurting her earnings.

Resident Agness Akumu lamented the burden on large families, urging the government to tackle fuel prices as they underpin livelihoods and growth.

The West Nile region’s fuel shortage stems from low supplies amid the US-Israel-Iran war. Boda-boda rider Charles Ongom, operating between Nebbi and Paidha, has doubled fares from Shs10,000 to Shs20,000 since petrol hit Shs8,000 per litre from local dealers, compared to Shs5,999 at pumps.

Truck driver Mike Osaga noted traders are cutting trips, idling vehicles to avoid losses, as earnings depend on transport volume. Fuel dealer Emmanuel Ocowun said cross-border smuggling from DR-Congo has reversed, with Congolese buying Ugandan fuel at Shs10,000-12,000 per litre in Mahagi amid scarcity.

No relief is in sight, as US President Donald Trump indicated no end to the war, and Iran ruled out reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)