Fuel hoarding has emerged in Kabale District as consumers scramble to cope with worsening shortages and rising pump prices across the country. A spot survey conducted by our reporter on Wednesday found several fuel stations struggling with depleted stocks.
At the Total fuel station, petrol was unavailable while diesel was selling at 5,640 Shillings per litre. At a Shell station, petrol had also run out, with only diesel available at 5,900 Shillings per litre. Tusu fuel station had neither petrol nor diesel at the time of the visit.
The shortages have prompted some residents and boda boda riders to begin storing fuel in jerrycans for fear of being stranded. Albert Kiconco, a boda boda rider, was seen carrying fuel in a jerrycan as he headed to Bunyonyi in Kitumba Sub-county. He says he decided to buy and store fuel at home to ensure he can continue operating even if stations are completely run dry.
Kiconco says having a reserve helps him continue his boda boda business in Kitumba while other riders struggle to access fuel. Another boda boda rider, Benson Mugisha, says he is also stocking fuel in jerrycans to ensure business continuity. He adds that he plans to resell some of the fuel to fellow riders in Maziba Sub-county at a higher price if the shortage worsens.
Residents, including Patrick Oworinawe, Anthony Twesongyere, and Caleb Niwamanya, blamed the government for failing to regulate commodity prices and stabilize fuel supply across the country. However, Kigezi Region Police spokesperson Elly Maate has warned against storing fuel in homes, citing serious safety risks.
Maate cautioned that fuel stored in jerrycans can easily become contaminated because some containers may contain water or other substances that can damage vehicle and motorcycle engines-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
