A growing fuel crisis has gripped Uganda, with motorists across the country facing rising pump prices, long queues, and in some cases, empty fuel stations.
The situation, highlighted in the April 24 edition of Daily Monitor, points to mounting pressure on supply chains and increasing costs for consumers.
From Karamoja to Kigezi, and across West Nile to eastern Uganda, the shortage has disrupted transport and daily economic activity.
In the capital, Kampala, drivers have been forced to wait for hours at fuel stations, only to pay significantly higher prices per litre once supplies become available.
In several towns, motorists have reported being turned away entirely as stations run dry.
The crisis has also triggered a sharp increase in fuel prices. Petrol prices have risen by Shs459 per litre, compounding the burden on households and businesses already grappling with high living costs.
The ripple effects are being felt across key sectors, including transport, agriculture, and trade, where fuel is a critical input.
Available data shows that fuel reserves are under strain. Petrol stocks stand at approximately 70.5 million litres, equivalent to about 19 days of cover.
Diesel reserves are even tighter, with 43.2 million litres projected to last just 12 days.
Jet fuel remains relatively stable, with 32 million litres estimated to last up to 53 days.
The shortages have sparked questions about supply management and distribution efficiency, with stakeholders raising concerns over how the situation escalated.
Analysts warn that without swift intervention, the crisis could worsen, potentially leading to further price hikes and economic disruptions.
As the government and industry players respond, attention remains focused on stabilising supply and restoring normalcy in fuel distribution. For now, motorists and businesses continue to bear the brunt of a crisis that has exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s energy supply chain.