In Mbarara, Fuel Is Becoming More Valuable Than Kidney

Motorists and boda boda riders in Mbarara are grappling with rising fuel prices and supply shortages, triggering long queues, fears of fare hikes, and wider economic strain as several stations run out of stock.

Hundreds of motorists and cyclists on Saturday crowded Shell Ankole in Mbarara City, creating chaotic scenes and long queues as fuel scarcity and rising prices pushed residents into a desperate scramble for supply.

By midday, the station was overwhelmed with motorcycles and vehicles, as pump attendants struggled to manage the surge in demand.

The mad rush followed reports that several fuel stations across the city had run dry, while Shell Ankole maintained relatively lower prices compared to competitors.

At the station, petrol was retailing at Shs5,595 per litre, while diesel stood at Shs5,290. Although still high, these rates were seen by many motorists as a temporary relief amid a sharp price increase of about Shs200 recorded over the past week.

Motorists who spoke expressed frustration over the unpredictable price movements, saying the increments are happening too frequently to keep up with.

"It feels like every time I wake up, the price has jumped by another fifty or a hundred shillings," said James Tumwine, a taxi driver operating on the Mbarara-Kabale route.

"I spent an hour in this queue just to save a few hundred shillings, but even that is barely enough to keep my business afloat," he added.

Station manager Micheal Ruteraho attributed the overwhelming turnout to market volatility, noting that consumers are increasingly sensitive to even slight price differences.

"We have seen a significant increase in the number of customers today. People are flocking to outlets offering relatively cheaper fuel. We are doing our best to serve everyone quickly, but the demand is currently very high. Some of our stations are empty," Ruteraho said.

The situation has raised concerns among boda boda riders, who form a critical part of Mbarara’s transport system. Many say the rising fuel costs are already eating into their earnings and could soon force an increase in transport fares.

"We are likely to have transport fare change, whether far or near. For example, by Monday, we are likely to charge Shs2,000 from Katete to town where we now charge Shs1,000," said Sam Nuwagira, a boda boda rider.

By close of business on Saturday, several petrol stations across Mbarara had run out of fuel, leaving motorists with limited options and intensifying pressure on the few outlets still operating.

The developments point to broader economic concerns, as rising fuel prices often have a ripple effect on the cost of living.

Traders and residents fear that increased transport costs will soon translate into higher prices for essential goods, including food, further straining household incomes.

Uganda’s fuel market is largely influenced by global oil prices, regional supply chains, and currency fluctuations, making it vulnerable to sudden price shifts.

In recent months, supply disruptions and rising international crude prices have contributed to instability at the pump.

For residents of Mbarara, however, the immediate concern remains access. With uncertainty over when supply will stabilize, many are bracing for tougher days ahead as both transport and commodity prices threaten to climb further.