Uganda, which is battling with insufficient gasoline supply, wants neighboring Kenya, its major conduit for imports, to provide it a set monthly amount to relieve shortages that have pushed pump prices higher.
In a letter to Kenya, Uganda’s energy ministry’s Permanent Secretary Pauline Irene Batebe stated that the country needs 110,660 cubic meters of gasoline and 110,400 cubic meters of diesel per month to meet demand that has rebounded since the economy reopened following the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions.
Batebe added that Uganda, which accounts for 75 percent of the gasoline passing via Kenya, also needs to be guaranteed a monthly quantity of 12,000 cubic meters of aviation fuel, without giving up the existing allotments.
Kenya, which is likewise a net importer of gasoline, is also experiencing its own supply challenges.
Gasoline pump prices have surged almost 19 percent since the start of the year to an average of 5,300 shillings ($1.51) per liter in the city of Kampala.
Landlocked Uganda uses around 6.5 million gallons of gasoline daily, according to the government.
