A severe petrol scarcity has gripped Kasese Municipality, triggering a sharp spike in transport fares and sparking fears of a broader economic crisis as commodity prices threaten to follow suit.
Across the municipality, petrol stations are witnessing unprecedented scenes. While diesel and kerosene prices remain relatively stable, petrol prices have doubled, skyrocketing to between UGX 5,600 and UGX 9,000 per liter. The difference has left motorists and business owners in a state of panic.
For the past two days, the Kobil petrol station in Kasese town has been the epicenter of the crisis. Long queues of vehicles and motorcycles have flocked to the station, with many drivers waiting for hours in hopes of securing the declining supply of fuel.
Boda-boda riders, who form the backbone of local transport, are among the hardest hit. Many narrate a grim struggle for survival, noting that the high cost of fuel has made it nearly impossible to turn a profit.
The fuel crisis has immediately impacted long-distance travel. Muhindo Prutazio, the Manager of Summit Coaches, confirmed that transport fares from Kasese to Kampala have jumped from the standard UGX 30,000 to UGX 45,000 due to fuel costs and scarcity.
In response to the growing unrest, the Vice Chairperson LC V for Kasese, Hon. Monday Gilivazio Bwambale, has called for patience. Addressing the public, he urged residents to remain calm, stating that the government is actively working to find a solution to the supply bottleneck.
Hon. Bwambale also issued a stern warning against fuel hoarding since this action will worsen the situation for everyone in the district.
As the municipality waits for the supply chain to stabilize, the economic pressure continues to mount, leaving many to wonder how long they can sustain the current prices at the pump.
