The Ministry of Energy is assuring Ugandans that the current fuel crisis is under control and won't spin out of hand. Permanent Secretary, Engineer Irene Pauline Bateebe, says while global supply disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz and a surging US dollar have spiked pump prices, strategic steps are being taken to stabilize the market. She urges the public to remain calm, and even suggests carpooling as a temporary fix. Our reporter has the details...

The permanent secretary of the ministry of energy and mineral development Eng. Irene Pauline Bateebe appreciated the general public for their patience and understanding during the time that fuel prices were destabilized due to disruption at the strait of Hormuz, noting that it is not just Uganda facing this concern but rather the entire country and promises that the situation will be back to normal.  she noted that the dollar of the burrow has doubled and calls upon Ugandans not to fear the appreciation as government is working with the oil companies to control the situation.

She highlighted the trend of petroleum leaving Kampala to the neighboring countries but were quick to address that issue though she admitted that Ugandan product was way cheaper than the neighboring countries if they had to import. She also acknowledged their partnerships with other countries and affirms that Uganda isn’t about to run out of product but rather enhance strategic reserves and stalks and revamping storage terminals.

She revealed that the supply security is to be guaranteed when the 60 thousand burrows per day refinery in Kikuube hoima is complete. She emphasizes commitment. She also says people shold llook out for other options of transport like carpooling until the situation is stable. She says they are working to ensure thsat the increase in prices isn’t so enormous

Thought the dollar rate had gone up by 200 shs before the conflict oil marketing companies were engaged to ensure the pump prices only reflect the inflation costs but might go higher because the incoming product was ordered after the conflict began. There was panic buying of product around the border posts that forced the government to halt supply to other countries. The ministry assures the publics that the situation will not go out of hand