Ethiopia Faces Worsening Fuel Shortages Amid Global Oil Supply Disruptions

Ethiopia is facing severe fuel shortages due to global supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict, forcing residents to queue for hours or days in Addis Ababa. The crisis is disrupting businesses and daily life, with Abiy Ahmed urging citizens to conserve fuel as supplies remain uncertain.

Ethiopia is grappling with a worsening fuel crisis as the ripple effects of the Middle East conflict disrupt global oil supplies, leaving thousands of residents stranded in দীর্ঘ queues for petrol. In the capital, Addis Ababa, many drivers have been forced to sleep in their cars for hours—or even days—while waiting for fuel, as shortages tighten across the country.
The situation has been triggered by Iran’s effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply passes. With shipments severely disrupted, countries dependent on imported fuel are feeling the strain, and Ethiopia is among the hardest hit. The Horn of Africa nation, home to about 130 million people, imports all of its petroleum products, primarily from Gulf countries, leaving it highly exposed to external shocks.
In several parts of Addis Ababa, including the Summit 72 area, long lines of vehicles have become a common sight. Drivers describe exhausting waits stretching beyond 24 hours, with many spending nights inside their cars without access to food or basic necessities. Taxi driver Awoke Derese said he had already lost two days of income while still paying daily rental fees for his vehicle, warning that the situation was putting his family’s survival at risk.
The shortages began to surface earlier in the week but have since escalated rapidly. At some filling stations, supplies have completely run out, forcing closures that have lasted for days. Workers at one station in Summit 72 said they had been shut for four consecutive days and had no information on when new fuel deliveries would arrive, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the crisis.
Small businesses are also bearing the brunt of the disruption. Bakery worker Natenahel Gedamu explained that his operations rely heavily on fuel to power generators and baking equipment. After running out of fuel, production came to a standstill, cutting off his source of income. He described moving from one petrol station to another in search of supply, eventually joining a queue where he waited for hours, unsure if fuel would still be available by the time he reached the pump.
Ethiopia’s landlocked geography further complicates the situation. The country depends almost entirely on imports routed through the port of Djibouti, making its supply chain particularly vulnerable during global disruptions. With only a limited number of strategic fuel reserve depots available nationwide, the country has little buffer to cushion sudden shocks in supply.
In response to the growing crisis, Abiy Ahmed has called on citizens to ration fuel use and prioritise essential needs until stability returns to the market. His appeal underscores the seriousness of the situation, as authorities attempt to manage limited resources amid ongoing uncertainty.
The fuel shortages are already having broader economic consequences. Addis Ababa, which has been undergoing extensive urban redevelopment in recent years, is seeing some construction and infrastructure projects slow down or temporarily halt due to lack of fuel. Key initiatives, including major road expansion and renovation works in districts such as Bole near the airport, have been affected, signalling potential delays in development plans.
As the crisis continues, concerns are mounting over its long-term impact on livelihoods, businesses, and the overall economy. For many Ethiopians, the fuel shortage is not just an inconvenience but a growing threat to daily survival, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to global energy disruptions and the urgent need for more resilient supply systems.