Petrol prices in many parts of Kampala have shot past Shs5,300 per litre, triggering public concern over possible fuel shortages.

However, government officials have reassured Ugandans that the country has adequate fuel reserves to last until the end of April or early May 2026.

Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu revealed that, as of March 27, 2026, Uganda held:

• 81 million litres of petrol (equivalent to 22 days’ cover)
• 80 million litres of diesel (23 days’ cover)
• 18.5 million litres of Jet A-1 (30 days’ cover)

These stocks are sufficient to sustain national demand until the end of April, with additional deliveries expected from Mombasa starting late March.

Backup supply routes through Tanzanian ports have also been secured.

The price surge is largely attributed to global market uncertainties, including continued attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on vessels navigating key shipping routes in the Red Sea, which have disrupted oil supply chains and pushed international prices higher.

The government has dismissed widespread social media claims of an impending fuel crisis as unfounded, urging the public to avoid panic buying.

Additional fuel imports are already in the pipeline to replenish stocks and stabilise the market in the coming weeks.