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African countries are grappling with a growing fuel crisis triggered by the US–Israel war in Iran, forcing governments to adopt emergency measures to manage limited energy supplies and rising costs. Several nations have introduced fuel-saving strategies, including diluting petrol, rationing electricity, and prioritising essential sectors.
In South Sudan, where 96% of electricity depends on oil, authorities have begun power rationing in the capital, Juba. The main distributor announced daily rotational outages, stating, "Due to the ongoing Iran-US conflict... Jedco must proactively manage its available energy reserves... we are prioritising a strategic rationing of power." Residents report severe disruptions, with electricity cuts lasting up to 12 hours, crippling businesses. While some are shifting to solar energy, high costs remain a barrier.
Mauritius, heavily reliant on imported oil, is facing an energy emergency after a delayed shipment left the country with just 21 days of fuel reserves. Although alternative supplies are on the way, they come at a higher cost. Similarly, Zimbabwe has increased ethanol blending in petrol from 5% to 20% and removed some fuel taxes to counter a sharp 40% rise in prices. However, ordinary citizens continue to struggle. A street vendor highlighted the pressure, saying, "If transport costs go back to where they were, I can survive."
Other countries are also tightening fuel use. Ethiopia has prioritised fuel distribution for essential services and restricted general consumption, while Kenya is experiencing shortages due to panic buying, despite government assurances. Uganda has warned against price hikes, and South Africa has urged calm, stating, "South Africa's fuel supply remains stable in the immediate term, and there is no basis for panic buying."
Despite the challenges, some nations may benefit. Increased shipping traffic rerouted around Africa could boost port activity, while Nigeria could gain from rising global oil prices—though experts warn that higher fuel costs may still burden ordinary citizens.
Inputs from BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8wkq1n9epo
In South Sudan, where 96% of electricity depends on oil, authorities have begun power rationing in the capital, Juba. The main distributor announced daily rotational outages, stating, "Due to the ongoing Iran-US conflict... Jedco must proactively manage its available energy reserves... we are prioritising a strategic rationing of power." Residents report severe disruptions, with electricity cuts lasting up to 12 hours, crippling businesses. While some are shifting to solar energy, high costs remain a barrier.
Mauritius, heavily reliant on imported oil, is facing an energy emergency after a delayed shipment left the country with just 21 days of fuel reserves. Although alternative supplies are on the way, they come at a higher cost. Similarly, Zimbabwe has increased ethanol blending in petrol from 5% to 20% and removed some fuel taxes to counter a sharp 40% rise in prices. However, ordinary citizens continue to struggle. A street vendor highlighted the pressure, saying, "If transport costs go back to where they were, I can survive."
Other countries are also tightening fuel use. Ethiopia has prioritised fuel distribution for essential services and restricted general consumption, while Kenya is experiencing shortages due to panic buying, despite government assurances. Uganda has warned against price hikes, and South Africa has urged calm, stating, "South Africa's fuel supply remains stable in the immediate term, and there is no basis for panic buying."
Despite the challenges, some nations may benefit. Increased shipping traffic rerouted around Africa could boost port activity, while Nigeria could gain from rising global oil prices—though experts warn that higher fuel costs may still burden ordinary citizens.
Inputs from BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8wkq1n9epo
