Rwanda Warns of Further Fuel Price Hikes Amid Middle East Crisis
Ambassador Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, the Minister of State for Infrastructure, has warned Rwandans that fuel prices will continue to rise and urged the public to adopt a "crisis mindset" to reduce consumption.
Speaking on TV1’s Rirarashe program on April 23, the minister explained that the ongoing instability in the Middle East—specifically Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz—is driving up the cost of petroleum products, where the Strait is a critical maritime route for 20 per cent of global trade.
Despite recent price increases, the minister noted that domestic fuel consumption has not decreased, a trend he says must change to manage the crisis.
"No matter how many strong measures we put in place, we cannot do it alone," the minister stated. "We need Rwandans to change their behavior to reflect these exceptional times. Currently, we aren't seeing a drop in consumption.”
“We need the public to help us by using the fuel we import as efficiently as possible," he argued.
Currently, petrol stands at Rwf2,938 per liter, while diesel is Rwf2,205 per liter, and the Minister Uwihanganye suggested that citizens limit unnecessary travel, use public transport, or carpool to adjust to the market reality.
"We want to see these changes reflected in the data. Since the prices went up, we haven't seen a decrease in usage, meaning the behavioral shift hasn't happened yet," he noted.
The minister was open about the long-term outlook, stating that even an immediate end to the conflict would not provide instant relief due to the two-month delay in imports and market stabilization.
"These times are persisting. Even if the war in the Middle East ended today, it would take a long time to return to normal. Our imports take two months to arrive, and the international market takes time to stabilize."
Regarding government subsidies, Minister Uwihanganye revealed that international market rates for diesel would already be above the current fuel price if not for interventions.
"The truth is; prices will keep rising. For instance, the price of diesel has skyrocketed globally. If we were to match the current international market rates exactly, a liter would already cost between Rwf3,000 and Rwf3,500.”
“No matter how much effort the government puts in [to stabilize prices], we cannot prevent costs from exceeding current levels," he added.
While prices remain volatile, the minister reassured the public that fuel supplies are secure.
He confirmed that Rwanda’s strategic reserves remain untouched as the country continues to rely on private sector stocks.
