JIGJIGA (Hornpost) — A severe fuel shortage has hit Jigjiga, the capital of Ethiopia’s Somali Region, and several other areas, disrupting public transport and leaving drivers waiting in long queues at petrol stations.
The shortage has particularly affected motorcycle taxis and other public transport operators, whose daily income depends on access to fuel.
Public Transport Drivers Raise Concerns
Mohamud Haybe, a motorcycle taxi driver in Jigjiga, told BBC Somali that the shortage had disrupted his work and threatened his ability to support his family.
“I arrived here at 9 a.m. this morning, and I am still waiting in the queue. I do not own this motorcycle; I work as a driver. The owner expects me to pay the agreed amount every day. My livelihood depends on this motorcycle, and I use the income to support my family,” he said.
Regional Government Seizes Illegal Fuel
The Somali Regional Government has not issued a detailed explanation for the fuel shortage at petrol stations.
However, the regional government’s Trade and Transport Bureau announced that authorities had seized approximately 6,000 litres of petrol in a single day. Officials said traders had been selling the fuel illegally from hidden locations in Jigjiga.
According to the bureau’s official website, security and regulatory authorities also arrested an unspecified number of people suspected of participating in the illegal fuel trade.
Ethiopian Federal Government Introduces Tighter Controls
Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s federal government has moved to strengthen regulations governing the country’s petroleum trade.
The House of People’s Representatives has approved a draft proclamation aimed at regulating fuel distribution and preventing illegal trading practices.
The proposed legislation outlines penalties for traders involved in practices such as selling fuel above regulated prices, hoarding supplies, reducing quantities, mixing diesel with petrol and engaging in smuggling.
The measures form part of broader efforts to improve oversight of the petroleum market and prevent illegal activities in the fuel distribution sector.
Hornpost Staff Reporter
