Motorists in Mbale hunt for fuel on black market

Jan 17, 2022

On the black market, petrol was available at sh5000-5500 a litre depending on the bargaining power.

The bodaboda which had carried the reporter, ran out of fuel on his way to the field. Photos by Paul Watala

Paul Watala
Journalist @New Vision

The fuel shortage has continued to hit Mbale city and surrounding districts, disrupting several businesses and transport.

Bodabodas and several private vehicles are seen stranded along roads, as drivers hire people to push them and struggle to look for scarce petrol within the city.

The situation has also severely affected the commuter transport services in and around Mbale city.

Commuter vehicles that have remained on the roads have hiked transport fares leaving passengers lamenting.

"We have no option but to raise the transport fares given the price of fuel," said Siragi Masagazi, the spokesperson for Mbale Taxi drivers and Owners' Association.

"Fuel in Mbale has become gold that motorists have restored to buying it on the black market at some fuel points," he said.

At Mbale taxi park, business is almost coming to a stand-still because few taxis are operating, despite a large number of commuters.

Fuel was only available at Olibya Petrol station on Republic Street, Total along Tororo road, Shell along Kumi road and Harsi sling Pallisa Road.

On the black market, petrol was available at sh5000-5500 a litre depending on the bargaining power.

It's not clear whether fuel on the black market is being smuggled into the country. However, when contacted, some fuel dealers told New Vision that they stocked fuel after predicting the supply crisis.

Official dealers at service stations said, they last imported fuel at the beginning of this month.

 

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