The Government of Rwanda has announced measures to prevent potential shortages of petroleum products as escalating tensions in the Middle East threaten global supply chains.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) said it has initiated discussions with fuel importers and other traders who could be affected by the ongoing conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran. The hostilities have involved missile strikes and combat drones, raising concerns over regional stability.
Several Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are major oil producers. About one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping route bordering these states.
Government steps up coordination
Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi said Rwanda is working closely with fuel importers to ensure that shipments already in transit — whether at ports or aboard vessels — reach the country without disruption.
“We are working with fuel importers to ensure that all petroleum products currently in transit, whether at the port or on ships, arrive in the country,” she said.
Sebahizi added that the government is also exploring alternative sourcing options for goods typically transported through affected routes, should prices rise on international markets.
“Currently, we do not have a problem with food prices on the Rwandan market,” she noted. “However, if prices increase in the countries from which we import, we must also consider alternative supply sources.”
MINICOM stressed that there is no immediate cause for alarm over price hikes, assuring the public that market monitoring mechanisms are in place. The ministry called for cooperation from traders to cushion consumers from potential shocks.
“We ask for collaboration from traders to ensure the impact on citizens remains minimal. We also have systems to closely monitor the situation,” the minister said.
Fuel importers reassure public
Dr Joseph Akumuntu, head of the association of petroleum importers and distributors, told Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) that importers are coordinating with the government to stabilise supply and pricing.
“We are in discussions with the government to review pricing. If prices become unfavourable, some traders might hesitate to import fuel,” he said. “There is hope that measures will be taken — whether on pricing or through banking support, such as increasing credit facilities — to ensure continued fuel imports.”
He reassured the public that there is currently no fuel shortage in Rwanda.
Regional airspace disruptions
The conflict has had ripple effects across the region. As Iran responded to attacks, neighbouring countries including Qatar, Kuwait, Syria and the United Arab Emirates temporarily closed their airspace, citing security concerns as missiles and drones transited the region toward Israel.
Rwanda’s national carrier, RwandAir, also announced the suspension of flights WB300/WB303 and WB304/WB305 to and from Doha and Dubai due to the deteriorating security situation.
Authorities in Kigali say they will continue to monitor developments closely to safeguard national supply chains and protect consumers from potential economic fallout.
