Parliament Pushes Gov’t to Stock Fuel Reserves in Jinja

Parliament wants the government to provide its plans to implement recommendations by the Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry to stock fuel reserves in Jinja district, amidst runaway prices.

In its report that was adopted during the plenary sitting on Thursday, 03 February 2022, the committee also recommended that the Kampala Storage Terminal which will store 60 million litres should be constructed ahead of the Kenya elections in August 2022.

The committee, chaired by Hon. Mwine Mpaka, also recommended that additional scanners are procured and deployed at the borders to hasten clearance of oil tankers.
“How ready are we in terms of our reserves? What plans do we have as a country and what plans to do we have to see how to regulate the fuel prices? The report which was brought to this House said the reserves have nothing. We will need a report on how ready we are,” Among said.

The Speaker made the remarks following a matter of national importance raised by Buhweju County MP, Hon. Francis Mwijukye, on the skyrocketing fuel prices during plenary sitting on Thursday, 07 July 2022.

The country has witnessed an increase in fuel prices since January 2022, with prices rising from Shs4,000 a litre to the current Shs6,000 to Shs7,000.

Mwijukye warned that the outcome of the forthcoming Kenya elections may cause further increase in the fuel prices.

“Uganda’s largest share of petroleum products arrives in the country through Kenya. Next week, I want to move a motion asking Parliament to make a resolution to ask the minister to give a plan in respect to Kenya elections. What plan is there in case of post-election violence?” Mwijukye asked.

He also tasked the energy minister to present a statement on steps being taken to address sky rocketing fuel prices.

“High prices have an effect on cost of doing business, education and transport. In neighbouring countries, a litre costs an equivalent of Shs3,700 and Shs4,700 a litre,” Mwijukye said.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said that government has put measures into place, including transporting fuel over water as well as via Tanzania.

“We have always told our people to remain frugal because all that is bringing fuel prices to increase is external. I will request the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development to present a comprehensive paper so that Parliament can ably be informed,” she said.

The premier further explained that the fuel prices are increasing as a result of the war between Russia and Ukraine.