The Government has issued a strong warning to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), threatening to revoke licenses of any dealer found hoarding fuel or engaging in speculative pricing, even as pump prices continue to rise in several parts of the country.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa has Tuesday reaffirmed that Uganda’s fuel supply remains stable, secure and firmly under control.
On a message posted on her X formerly twitter, the Minister stated that robust stock levels have been maintained, with a strong import pipeline bringing in over 385 million litres of fuel scheduled between May and mid-June.
OMCs are reminded that isolated station-level stock-outs are operational issues—not national shortages. ANY OMC found hoarding fuel will have its license revoked! Compliance with distribution guidelines, pricing discipline and responsible stock management is mandatory. Government will continue strict enforcement against hoarding, speculative pricing, and illicit trade to protect market stability.”
The Minister’s warning comes amid reports of climbing pump prices in various parts of the country. In recent days, petrol prices have increased in several areas, with some stations in Kampala and upcountry towns charging between UGX 5,400 and UGX 6,000 per litre. Higher increases have been noted particularly in border districts such as Arua and Tororo.
However, motorists have observed that major OMCs such as TotalEnergies and Shell have kept their prices relatively lower and more competitive compared to many smaller and independent stations.
This more disciplined approach by the bigger players contrasts with the pricing behaviour sometimes seen before UNOC assumed the role of sole importer.
Nankabirwa emphasized that there is no national fuel shortage and urged the public not to engage in panic buying. She described any isolated stock-outs at individual stations as purely operational issues rather than a reflection of the country’s overall fuel supply situation.
The Minister added that the government is closely monitoring the market and will not hesitate to take decisive action against any OMC involved in hoarding, speculative pricing, or illicit trade.
With substantial fuel shipments expected in the coming weeks, authorities expressed confidence that stability will return to the market as long as all players comply with the set guidelines.
