Ugandans urged to cut travel as fuel prices climb
Petrol and diesel prices have risen sharply, increasing costs for essential goods and straining household budgets.
Ugandans are advised to reduce non-essential travel and opt for public transport due to soaring fuel prices. Petrol is now approximately Shs 6,800 per litre, with diesel at about Shs 7,000, according to Deputy Secretary to the Treasury Patrick Ocailap. These price hikes are expected to make food, transport, and other necessities more expensive for households already facing budget challenges.
Ocailap attributed the fuel price increases primarily to global market developments and exchange rate pressures. He noted that international oil prices have risen from about $59 to $104 a barrel since the start of a recent war. As Uganda imports fuel, higher global prices directly increase import costs, with a weakening shilling further exacerbating expenses.
The government stated that fuel taxes, with a Shs 200 increase on petrol tax this financial year bringing it to Shs 1,750 per litre, help fund public programs like the Parish Development Model. Ocailap rejected claims that domestic taxes or the proposed Sovereignty Bill were the main drivers of the price surge, emphasizing global factors and the need to buy imported fuel.
Why it mattersUgandan households face increased costs for food and transport as fuel prices rise.