Uganda Navigates Fuel Crisis with Strategic Tanzania Route Activation
Uganda’s national oil company UNOC successfully managed a potential fuel crisis by activating emergency importation operations through Tanzania after disruptions along the primary Kenyan supply route threatened national fuel security. The strategic contingency operation involved importing 35 million liters of petroleum products via the longer Tanzanian corridor to maintain stable national supply levels.
UNOC confirmed that logistical challenges in May 2025 had significantly impacted fuel deliveries through Kenya, particularly affecting petrol supplies and causing limited price increases in some regions. The company’s proactive response demonstrated the effectiveness of having diversified import routes to ensure national energy security.
The situation has been fully resolved with the Kenyan pipeline system returning to normal operations. Over 90 million liters of petroleum products are now available within the Kenya Pipeline system for Ugandan oil marketing companies, with 53 million liters of petrol currently being loaded for delivery. An additional 200 million liters scheduled for delivery between June 6-8, 2025, will further strengthen market supply.
The successful crisis management coincides with favorable global pricing conditions, with international Platts benchmarks declining in recent weeks. UNOC’s role as Uganda’s sole bulk importer under the Petroleum Supply Amendment Act 2023 has enabled the company to deliver an estimated 1.9 billion liters of petroleum products since mid-2024, primarily through direct procurement from major global refiners including Saudi Aramco, ADNOC, and ENOC.
Source: chimpreports.com