Mbadi Warns of Prolonged Fuel Crisis as East Africa Feels the Heat
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has warned that the fuel crisis triggered by instability in the Middle East may persist longer than expected, raising fears of increased pressure on petroleum supplies and prices.
The ongoing crisis in the Middle East is beginning to take a heavy toll on fuel supplies across East Africa, with several countries already facing shortages and rising uncertainty over energy security. Governments across the region are now scrambling to cushion citizens from the effects of disruptions affecting global oil markets.
In Kenya, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has warned that the fuel crisis triggered by instability in the Middle East may persist longer than expected, raising fears of increased pressure on petroleum supplies and prices.
According to Mbadi, the Middle East remains one of the world’s most important oil-producing regions, supplying nearly 20 percent of global petroleum products. However, continued geopolitical tensions and disruptions affecting major shipping routes have interrupted supply chains, forcing many countries to seek alternative fuel sources.
The Cabinet Secretary said Kenya has intensified efforts to secure petroleum products through government-to-government (G2G) agreements to avoid shortages that could cripple transport, business, and essential services.
Mbadi noted that Kenya is now relying more heavily on international oil suppliers outside the conflict-hit region to maintain stable fuel reserves and ensure the country does not experience dry fuel stations. He explained that agreements with major energy firms are helping stabilize the supply chain despite global uncertainty.
While Kenya works to safeguard supply, neighboring Ethiopia is already experiencing severe fuel shortages that have disrupted normal life. Reports from the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, indicate that motorists are spending days searching for fuel as many stations run dry, leaving vehicles parked for extended periods.
The crisis has reportedly slashed diesel availability by nearly half in Ethiopia, affecting both public and private transportation systems. Long queues at fuel stations have become common, with transport services slowing significantly and movement in parts of the city becoming increasingly difficult.
The disruption is being linked to tensions surrounding key oil transit routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest maritime passages for petroleum exports. Any interruption in the movement of oil through the strategic route often sends global markets into panic, affecting prices and supply chains far beyond the Middle East.
Elsewhere in the region, Burundi is also struggling with an escalating fuel shortage that has disrupted transportation and economic activities. Residents in the capital, Bujumbura, are facing long waiting times at petrol stations as supplies remain limited.
Mozambique has similarly reported supply challenges, with major cities such as Maputo experiencing fuel shortages and long queues at filling stations. The situation has further heightened anxiety over the wider regional impact of the crisis.
Across East Africa, countries including Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have also begun feeling the ripple effects through rising fuel costs and disruptions in supply chains.
Despite mounting pressure, Mbadi defended Kenya’s G2G fuel arrangement, dismissing calls from opposition leaders seeking its review. He argued that abandoning the current system during a global fuel crisis could expose Kenya to even greater risks, including shortages.
The Treasury CS cautioned Kenyans to prepare for prolonged uncertainty, warning that unless tensions in the Middle East ease soon, the economic impact could deepen and fuel prices may continue to fluctuate across the region.
