Africa faces fuel crisis as Iran conflict disrupts global oil supplies
PORT LOUIS / CAPE TOWN: Mauritius announced energy-saving measures on Wednesday as African nations struggle with fuel shortages triggered by the Iran conflict disrupting global oil supplies.
“We are running low on heavy fuel oil,” Energy Minister Patrick Assirvaden said on Monday. A shipment expected on March 21 failed to arrive. Stocks now stand at only 15 to 20 days.
A replacement cargo from Singapore is due on April 1, the minister added.
The government has imposed restrictions on non-essential power use. Decorative lighting, swimming pool heating and fountains will face curbs.
Regional Impact Spreads Across the Continent
The supply disruptions follow escalating US-Israel conflict with Iran. Oil and liquefied natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have been hit. This key route carries about one-fifth of global energy supplies.
Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, warned of serious consequences.
“I pray, and everybody needs to pray, that this thing de-escalates,” Dangote told the Punch newspaper after meeting President Bola Tinubu on Monday.
He said prolonged disruption could force work-from-home measures similar to those introduced during the COVID pandemic. Many African households lack savings, he noted, making such restrictions difficult.
Uganda faces dwindling fuel stocks too.
“We have diesel and petrol stocks sufficient for 21 and 26 days respectively,” Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa said in a video on X. The country plans to explore alternative supply channels.
In South Sudan, the Juba Electricity Distribution Company has begun rotating power rationing across the capital due to shortages.
‘Artificial Demand’ Creates Additional Pressure
In Kenya, independent fuel retailers warned that about 20 percent of outlets are short on supplies. The government kept pump prices steady despite surging global costs.
“We have sufficient stock,” Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi said on Wednesday. He urged consumers not to panic buy or hoard.
In South Africa, a different dynamic is playing out. Industry officials said a spike in purchases ahead of an expected steep April fuel-price increase is causing isolated diesel stock-outs. Supply constraints are not the issue.
“There is artificial demand,” said Avhapfani Tshifularo, head of the Fuels Industry Association. Large users with storage capacity, including farmers, are placing unusually high orders to beat the price adjustment. Raphi Maake, fuel pricing director at the energy ministry, acknowledged that wholesalers had reported clients requesting volumes above usual monthly orders, particularly for diesel. But he added there was “no problem” with supply. Monitoring Desk
