As Rwanda sees a rise in imports of heavy fuel oil (HFO), a petroleum product used as fuel in industrial plants, lawmakers have called for new storage for the relatively new substance.

Official statistics show the country imported over 11.8 million liters of HFO in 2024. By mid-2025, the country had already imported 6.8 million litres; more than half of the previous year’s total import volumes.

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"Given the upward trend in heavy fuel oil consumption, this is a timely opportunity to develop a clear policy on storage and to explore cleaner, more sustainable alternatives like diesel,” said MP Theogene Munyangeyo, during a July 22 session of the Parliamentary Committee on Economy and Trade, which discussed implementation of key government projects.

HFO is known for its affordability and high energy density, which make it an option for large-scale applications, including power generation, marine transport, and industrial production.

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Speaking to The New Times, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, acknowledged the need for storage of the petroleum product, but affirmed that the government is open to supporting private sector-led storage solutions.

"If it becomes clear that demand for HFO storage is increasing, the government is ready to facilitate private developers of storage facilities,” Sebahizi said. "We’ve already earmarked Ruhanga in Rusororo Sector, Gasabo District, for fuel infrastructure development zone and have a master plan in place.”

Sebahizi explained that those interested in building depots receive government assistance, including land acquisition and basic infrastructure support, as long as the projects align with the national land use master plan.

However, he added that most of the country’s fuel infrastructure focus remains on storing and monitoring more commonly used products, such as Premium Motor Spirit, AGO (diesel), Jet A1, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

Currently, fuel depots under construction in Rusororo include five storage tanks with a combined capacity of 22 million liters; 10 million liters each for diesel and PMS, and 2 million liters for Jet A1. None of these tanks is reserved for HFO.

MP Munyangeyo concluded, "It’s time to act; either by setting up proper infrastructure or by reconsidering HFO's long-term role in our energy future.”

Heavy fuel oil, also known as residual fuel oil or bunker fuel, is a thick, tar-like byproduct of crude oil refining. While it is less environmentally friendly and more difficult to handle than cleaner fuels, it remains economically attractive for heavy-duty energy needs across shipping, mining, and manufacturing.

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Petroleum products make up 28 per cent of the national merchandise import bill, according to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

In 2024 alone, Rwanda imported 816,000 tonnes of petroleum oils valued at $680 million, a 9.5% rise from the previous year.

The government plans to increase petroleum reserve storage capacity from the current 110 million litres—enough to last for about two months in case of supply disruption—to at least 320 million litres in the next two years, the Minister of Trade and Industry, said in March.