The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, has warned oil marketing companies against raising pump prices.

Nankabirwa emphasized that the country’s fuel supply remains stable despite rising tensions in the Middle East.

Speaking on Wednesday March 4, 2026, Nankabirwa noted that the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) continues to supply petroleum at unchanged costs, there is no justification for local price increases.

“UNOC has not increased prices and is still sourcing from the same suppliers and depots. Why should dealers raise prices?” she questioned, urging companies not to exploit global instability for profit.

The minister confirmed that shipments for March are already en route to East Africa, with fuel distributed from the same Kenyan depots, including Kisumu and Eldoret, ensuring uninterrupted supply.

Uganda currently depends entirely on imported refined petroleum products while awaiting the completion of the Hoima Oil Refinery.

Since July 2024, UNOC has been the sole importer, bringing in over 3.3 billion litres of petrol, diesel, and jet fuel by late 2025.

The centralized import system has stabilized supply and prices, with petrol averaging UGX 4,950 per litre and diesel UGX 4,690 as of early March 2026.

Diesel remains the largest portion of consumption, powering cargo trucking, public transport, fishing, manufacturing, and electricity generators.

“Time has not warranted price hikes. Uganda’s fuel supply is stable. Dealers must not take advantage of global instability,” Nankabirwa concluded.

While Uganda’s immediate supply is secure, analysts warn that prolonged instability in the Middle East could push global crude prices higher, potentially affecting local fuel costs in the future.