By Joseph Kiggundu
The Government has announced that a fuel vessel carrying approximately 120 million litres of petroleum products is yet to dock at Mombasa Port on Wednesday, April 15.
The move aims at reinforcing national fuel reserves and sustaining fuel supply in the landlocked East African nation.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the Uganda National Oil Company and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development said the shipment—estimated at about 119 million litres—will bolster stock levels and ensure continued availability of petroleum products across the country.
“We are pleased to inform the public that another fuel vessel is expected at Mombasa Port on Wednesday, delivering an additional 119 million litres of fuel,” the statement said.
“This shipment will further strengthen national fuel reserves and ensure continued availability across the country.”
The reassurance comes amid heightened sensitivity in regional fuel markets, triggered by U.S.-Iran conflict and eventual closure of the Strait of Hormuz through which 20 percent of global oil passes.
Uganda’s supply stability has largely been supported by UNOC’s centralized import system and its partnership with Vitol, which sources fuel from multiple global markets to cushion against disruptions such as those currently affecting the Middle East.
The Energy Ministry said they were working around the clock to maintain adequate stocks and prevent disruptions despite external pressures affecting global oil markets.
On pricing, the government noted that pump costs continue to be shaped by international dynamics, including geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
However, authorities stressed that safeguards are in place to cushion consumers.
“Government wishes to assure all Ugandans that pricing trends are being closely monitored, and measures are in place to ensure that fuel prices remain within reasonable and manageable levels,” the statement added.
The public has been urged to remain calm and avoid panic buying, with officials reiterating that supply remains steady and sufficient.
Uganda consumes an estimated 2.3 million litres of petroleum products daily and relies entirely on imports routed through Kenya and Tanzania, making efficient logistics and timely shipments critical to national energy security.
Government said the arrival of the latest consignment underscores the government’s continued commitment to safeguarding fuel availability, even as volatility persists in global oil markets