East African country, Uganda has imported 35 million litres of petroleum products through Tanzania following recent disruptions along the Kenyan supply route.
The move comes as the country experiences a slight increase in pump prices, particularly petrol, in some regions.
The Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), in a public statement on Tuesday, said the temporary price hike was largely due to logistical delays in deliveries through the Kenyan pipeline during May 2025.
To manage the situation, UNOC reported that it took contingency action by rerouting supplies through the Tanzanian corridor.
The company noted that although this alternative ensured continued availability of petroleum products, the longer transportation route and related costs contributed marginally to the current increase in pump prices.
“In response to the logistical delays experienced in May, we imported approximately 35 million litres through the Tanzanian route to safeguard national supply,” the company said in the statement issued in Kampala.
UNOC further reported that, as of 2 June 2025, over 90 million litres of petroleum products were available within the Kenya Pipeline system and had been allocated to Ugandan Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). Of this volume, 53 million litres is petrol currently being loaded and transported into Uganda.
Moreover, the company disclosed that between 6 and 8 June 2025, another 200 million litres comprising petrol, diesel and Jet A-1 will be delivered into the Kenya Pipeline system and made available to Ugandan OMCs.
UNOC added that with this incoming supply, coupled with a recent drop in global Platts prices and a favourable exchange rate, the market is expected to stabilise in the coming days.
“We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth delivery and prevent further disruptions,” the company stated.
Disruption in Kenya pipeline system triggered increase
Moreover, the national oil firm traced the recent rise in pump prices to delivery delays along the Kenyan route, which remains Uganda’s primary channel for importing petroleum products.
It noted that during May 2025, several logistical challenges slowed the movement of fuel along the corridor, causing temporary shortages in some areas and prompting a slight increase in retail prices.
UNOC, however, assured the public that the situation was under control and that ongoing efforts would restore supply consistency nationwide.
“We thank the public for their patience and continued trust,” the statement added.
Uganda relies on both the Kenyan and Tanzanian routes for fuel imports, with the Kenyan route handling the majority of deliveries due to proximity and existing infrastructure.
