Ethiopian Informer
ADDIS ABABA (EI) – The Ethiopian government announced on Wednesday the complete restoration of daily diesel supply to pre-disruption levels, following interruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
During a media briefing on Wednesday, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide stated that the disruptions related to the conflict have led to a significant increase in global fuel prices and severely strained international supply chains.
Ahmed mentioned that at the height of the disruptions, Ethiopia’s daily diesel supply had decreased by half, dropping to approximately 4.5 million liters.
The recent global fuel supply shocks and price surges have resulted in an acute diesel shortage in Ethiopia, necessitating rationing and causing truck drivers to wait for days to refuel, with long lines of diesel-powered vehicles forming in the capital, Addis Ababa, and across regional states.
Ahmed emphasized that the government has been importing fuel at elevated prices through special procurement arrangements to mitigate the impact of external shocks on the domestic economy.
The finance minister announced that daily diesel supply will now be restored to the previous level of 9 million liters, with shipments from neighboring Djibouti to Addis Ababa commencing on Wednesday and regional distribution set to begin on Thursday.
He also confirmed that supplies of gasoline and jet fuel are being maintained at their previous levels, alleviating pressure on other transport and aviation sectors.
According to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the ongoing global fuel crisis has compelled his government to spend 20 billion birr (approximately… million U.S. dollars) each month on subsidies to relieve pressure on the country’s economy and its citizens.
Meanwhile, the Ethiopian government emphasized that “sustained investments” in renewable energy over recent years have enabled the country to absorb some of the effects of global energy supply disruptions.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ethiopian Government Communication Service noted that recent development projects in hydropower, wind, solar, and geothermal energy have bolstered the country’s energy resilience amid ongoing global fuel supply challenges.
Highlighting that Ethiopia’s electricity supply is now generated almost entirely from renewable sources, it pointed out several policy frameworks and incentives designed to promote the use of clean energy.
The statement concluded that these efforts have significantly enhanced green mobility, with over 140,000 electric vehicles currently on the roads throughout the country, ultimately contributing to the government’s pursuit of energy sovereignty.
