Ugandans are struggling with fuel shortage that has sent prices skyrocketing, as hundreds of trucks remain stuck in huge tailbacks at the border with Kenya.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa said the border delays were caused
by a faulty scanner used by customs officials to check vehicles and
issues regarding COVID-19.
Truck drivers have been complaining of massive queues at Uganda’s
eastern border as officials carry out mandatory coronavirus testing.
In the western district of Hoima, ironically the area
where Uganda discovered large oil deposits earlier this century, a litre of
fuel was selling at 12,000 Ugandan shillings, equivalent to $3.40 up
from 4,000 shillings previously.
The pumps had run dry at other petrol stations in the north and west of
the landlocked East African country.
Ugandans were also reporting hikes in taxi and bus fares in many parts
of the country, which is a net oil importer.
