Ethiopia prioritises essential vehicles as fuel shortages deepen amid Middle East conflict

Ethiopia is prioritising fuel for essential services and public transport as shortages worsen due to disruptions from the Middle East war and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which have sharply reduced fuel supplies.

Ethiopia has introduced emergency fuel distribution measures as it faces worsening shortages linked to disruptions from the Middle East war.
Authorities announced that fuel stations across the country will now prioritise specific categories of vehicles considered critical to the functioning of the economy and daily life. These include vehicles transporting essential goods such as food and medical supplies, tractors and trucks carrying agricultural produce, and vehicles operating within the public transportation sector. The decision is aimed at ensuring that limited fuel supplies are directed toward services that sustain livelihoods and prevent further economic strain.
The shortages have been largely attributed to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply typically flows. The disruption has had ripple effects across global energy markets, significantly affecting countries that rely heavily on imported petroleum products.
As a fully import-dependent nation for fuel, Ethiopia has been particularly exposed to the crisis. Most of its petroleum supply comes from Gulf countries, making it vulnerable to instability in the Middle East. Officials in Addis Ababa reported that daily diesel availability has dropped sharply—from 9.2 million litres to just 4.5 million litres—placing pressure on transportation, agriculture, and industrial activities.
In response, the government has urged citizens to adopt fuel-saving measures. These include reducing non-essential travel, walking when feasible, relying more on public transportation, and embracing alternative energy sources where available. Authorities say such steps are necessary to stretch existing fuel supplies and minimise disruptions.
Beyond short-term measures, Ethiopia continues to push forward with long-term strategies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The government has been actively promoting the adoption of electric vehicles by eliminating import taxes and offering policy support for the sector. Plans are also underway to eventually ban the import of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines.
These efforts are beginning to show results, as electric vehicles accounted for approximately 7% of all cars in Ethiopia by late 2025, according to the transport ministry. While still a relatively small share, officials see this as a significant step toward building a more resilient and sustainable transport system in the face of global energy uncertainties.