Eng. Irene Pauline Batebe, Ministry of Energy and Miniral Development PS speaking to reporters
By George Bukenya
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has warned Ugandan’s to remain calm on the rising fuel prices for its not going to be persistent as government is working within its confirm to ensure constant supply.
The Ministry Permanent Secretary Eng. Irene Pauline Batebe assured the citizens of constant supply despite prolonged escalating tension and attack on oil exporting countries which lead to the broking of the Iranian Strait of Hormuz.
However contrary to the conflicts between United States of America her Middle East allay and Iran, Bateebe down played such escalating conflicts as a major cause of increase in the world fuel prices.
Speaking to reporters at Uganda Media Centre today, Batebe said that the increase in fuel prices is a result of global inflationary pressures and rising oli cost stemming from international geopolitical tensions.
“ The increase in oil prices is rather a global phenomenon as opposed to the local inward factors. The rise in value of dollar against the Uganda shillings from UGX 3600 per one dollar to shillings 3800,’’ Batebe explained.
Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has officially warned citizens to brace for rising fuel prices. Ministry Permanent Secretary Irene Bateebe cited escalating Middle East tensions and a strengthening US dollar as key drivers putting pressure on global oil costs.
She also said the raising transport costs and overall inflation are expected to raise as a result of the impending pump price increases.
The Permanent Secretary also revealed that, due to Uganda’s lower fuel prices compared to those of other countries in the EAC region, distributors have been illegally re-exporting to such neighbouring countries which government have fought using her high intelligence network.
As a way of ensuring constant supply of fuel, the PS said that government through ENOC is investing in more storage facilities which in future will help Uganda store fuel that can last her for four months in case of global crisis. In the same vein government has also considered investing in alternative importation routes like Mwanza, Tanga, and Der-el-salam to supplement on the Mombasa route