The Ethiopia Petroleum and Energy Authority (PEA) issued a fuel conservation and prioritization directive on March 17, 2026. It aims to protect the economy from disruptions in global oil supplies due to Middle East geopolitical tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz. Priority access is given to key sectors.
The Ethiopia Petroleum and Energy Authority (PEA) has mandated that all oil companies and retail stations shift to a high-conservation operating model. This directive, issued on March 17, 2026, responds to global oil supply disruptions from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including issues in the Strait of Hormuz. PEA Director General Destaw Mekuanent stated that fuel must be treated as a strategic resource until international supplies stabilize. Priority allocations ensure uninterrupted supply for national security institutions and key government infrastructure projects nearing completion. Manufacturing industries, producers of basic consumer goods, large-scale agricultural operations, and export-oriented firms also receive priority to sustain the domestic supply chain and foreign exchange earnings. Gas stations must prioritize public transport vehicles for workforce mobility. Refueling is allowed only into a vehicle's original tank, banning fuel into plastic containers, barrels, or external tanks by station staff. Violations, including hoarding, black-market activities, or price hikes, face legal action under the National Energy Proclamation. The measure follows a recent prime ministerial message urging economical fuel use for development projects. PEA has coordinated with regional, city, and district trade bureaus to monitor tanker deliveries and proper resource use.
