Countries across Africa are rolling out emergency measures, from diluting petrol to rationing electricity, as the continent grapples with a deepening fuel crisis triggered by the US and Israel conflict in Iran.
In South Sudan, authorities have begun rationing electricity in the capital, Juba, while Mauritius has introduced consumption limits, particularly in high-use zones, to curb wastage.
As global supply tensions drive fears of escalating prices, several governments are searching for alternatives. Ethiopia has ordered fuel suppliers to prioritise essential sectors, while Zimbabwe is increasing ethanol levels in petrol to stretch local supplies.
However, analysts note that a few nations, including Nigeria and South Africa, could see marginal economic benefits from shifts in global trade flows and rising oil prices.
Power Cuts and Fuel Scarcity
Despite having some of East Africa’s largest crude reserves, South Sudan exports most of its oil and relies heavily on imported refined products. The International Energy Agency estimates that 96% of the country’s electricity comes from oil.
Already battling intermittent outages since May last year, Juba has now introduced rotational power cuts. Local distributor Jedco announced that from Wednesday, neighbourhoods will face daily outages as the situation worsens.
“Due to the ongoing Iran US conflict, Jedco must proactively manage its available energy reserves,” the company said.
Residents say the impact has been severe. Electrical engineer Ereneo Mogga told the BBC that power in his neighbourhood often disappears around 4 p.m. and does not return until morning.
“This paralyses most businesses,” he said, adding that those who can afford it are turning to solar power despite the high upfront cost.
Mauritius Declares an Energy Emergency
Mauritius, which relies heavily on imported oil for electricity, has reportedly declared an energy emergency after a scheduled shipment failed to arrive, leaving the island with just 21 days of reserves.
Energy Minister Patrick Assirvaden said the government has secured alternative shipments from Singapore, due on 1 April, although at a much higher cost.
Zimbabwe Turns to Ethanol
As governments look for creative solutions, Zimbabwe has announced it will raise ethanol blending in petrol from 5% to 20%.
Fuel prices in the country have surged by 40% in less than a month. To cushion consumers, authorities are also planning to scrap certain taxes on fuel imports.
For residents like Harare street vendor Nicole Mazarura, the price shocks are devastating.
“The prices of everything have shot up,” she said. “I cannot increase the price of soft drinks, so I have to absorb the loss. If transport costs go back to normal, I can survive.”
Ethiopia and Kenya Tighten Supply Controls
In Ethiopia, regulators have instructed fuel companies to prioritise security agencies, major government projects, key industries and essential manufacturers. Petrol stations have been told to favour public transport while enforcing rationing.
Amid fears of renewed conflict, officials in Tigray have suspended fuel supply entirely.
Kenya is also feeling the strain, with reports that 20% of petrol stations are facing shortages. Industry groups blame panic buying, while Vivo Energy Kenya confirmed temporary stock outs due to surging demand.
The energy ministry has denied there is a shortage and accused retailers of hoarding in anticipation of price hikes. It also urged citizens not to panic buy.
Beyond fuel, Kenya’s flower export industry, a major foreign exchange earner, has lost more than 4.2 million dollars in three weeks because of shipping disruptions and declining Middle East demand.
Regional Responses and Emerging Opportunities
Uganda has moved to reassure citizens, warning distributors against inflating prices. South Africa has also calmed rising anxiety, saying it has sufficient supply for now but acknowledging that a prolonged conflict could affect availability and pricing.
Some African ports may benefit from global trade rerouting as vessels avoid the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz. Senior researcher Timothy Walker of the Institute for Security Studies told the BBC that tankers may increasingly stop at ports such as Walvis Bay, Cape Town, Durban, Maputo and Dar es Salaam for refuelling and supplies.
Nigeria, Africa’s second largest oil producer, may also benefit from higher crude prices and has offered to pump more oil to help meet global demand. However, economists warn that increased government revenue does not translate immediately into relief for citizens.
“If international petrol prices rise, transport costs increase everywhere,” Lagos based economist Dumebi Oluwole told the BBC.
