The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority has warned fuel stations against hoarding and rationing petroleum products, emphasising that such practices are illegal. The warning comes amid concerns that some fuel stations may be engaging in hoarding or informal rationing, driven by market speculation and oil supply disruptions. ALSO READ: Traders warned against unfair price hikes RURA on Thursday, April 23, said customers are entitled to purchase the amount of petrol or diesel they need, warning that any station found rationing fuel would face penalties. Boris Kalisa, a resident of Kimironko Sector who drives a Toyota sedan, said he had not experienced any challenges purchasing fuel. “Yesterday, I filled up my tank without any problem. I simply requested what I needed and was served without any restrictions,” Kalisa told The New Times. ALSO READ: Nearly 100 transport operators penalised for hiking fares He, however, recalled a recent difficulty while travelling outside Kigali. “The only issue I encountered was last week while travelling to Ngoma District. I was driving a diesel vehicle and visited about five stations, all of which said they had no diesel. I’m not sure what the situation is now, but that was my experience at the time.” Celestin Gasangwa, a motorcycle taxi operator, said he had also not experienced any issues purchasing fuel so far. “I have bought fuel twice recently, spending around Rwf6,000 each time, and everything was normal. Even among fellow motorcyclists, I haven’t heard of anyone facing restrictions,” he said. However, he noted growing concern about a possible future shortage. “The only thing we talk about is the possibility that it could happen at some point, but so far, I haven’t seen or heard of anyone being given less fuel than they requested.” Meanwhile, oil and gas importer SP Rwanda said it had sufficient stocks of both petrol and diesel and did not impose limits based on the size of a vehicle.
