Fuel prices Likely to Hike as Bernard Anyeko Masanga Calls Gov’t for Crackdown on Rogue Fuel Dealers

Fuel prices Likely to Hike as Bernard Anyeko Masanga Calls Gov’t for Crackdown on Rogue Fuel Dealers.

By Patrick Okidi

The secretary to the Uganda Taxi Operators and Drivers Association (UTODA) Anyeko Bernard Masanga, has urged residents of the Lango sub-region to remain calm amidst a sudden spike in fuel prices and fears of an acute shortage.
Panic has been mounting across Lira and Gulu cities as several pump stations hiked prices, with petrol retailing between Shs 5,600 and Shs 6,000 per litre. In other parts of the country, petrol has risen from Shs 5,570 to Shs 5,600, while diesel increased to Shs 5,300.
While speaking to the media on Wednesday morning from his office in Lira City, Anyeko maintained that there should be “No Cause for Alarm”
Despite the scramble, Bernard stated that there is no need for panic. He reassured the public that the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) has confirmed it has sufficient fuel reserves to supply the country for over two months.
“There is no cause for alarm. UNOC is ready to stabilize the market. I predict that within the next 20 days, the situation will normalize,” Anyeko said. He further appealed to government authorities to take a “tough stance” against fuel stations that are creating artificial shortages or overcharging.

Fuel dealers in Lira City have attributed the price fluctuations to global geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. These conflicts have disrupted international oil markets, raising import costs for landlocked countries like Uganda that rely heavily on foreign petroleum.
Transport Fare Warning
While transport operators have expressed concerns that the rising costs are hitting their businesses hard, Anyeko advised against hiking transport fares immediately.
“It is still too early to increase fares. We must protect the commuters while we wait for the supply ratios to improve,” he noted.
Currently, some stations are reporting low supply and are rationing fuel to customers. However, Anyeko maintained that fuel should continue to be sold at old prices where stock is available, warning against predatory pricing.