Authority Reports Fuel Import Stats

Ethiopian Petroleum & Energy Authority (EPA) disclosed that 3.2 million tons of fuel were imported into the country during the last fiscal year. The figure includes 2.04 million tons of diesel and 767,672tns of benzene. In the past fiscal year, the digital payment system, Telebirr, facilitated transactions totalling 103 million volumes worth 61.8 billion Br. Of these transactions, 81.39pc were for diesel, while 17.82pc were for benzene. The number of fuel stations increased from 682 to 1,590 and a rise in fuel supply stations from nine to 49. The Authority noted that illicit fuel distribution and trading remain as issues, contributing to fuel shortages. Officials highlighted that despite mandatory digital transaction directives, many fuel stations have not complied, exacerbating illegal activities and resulting in shortages. Over 40 gas stations in Addis Abeba and Sheger cities were banned for failing to adhere to the mandated digital payment system recently.