The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration of Ethiopia has announced decisive measures taken to address instances of fuel market manipulation aimed at illicit profit accumulation. Following investigations into reported irregularities, authorities have identified and sanctioned 250 storage containers, found concealed for periods of 10 to 15 days and implicated in practices that disrupt the fair and efficient distribution of fuel resources nationwide.
Minister Kassahun Gofe, speaking on behalf of the Ministry, emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring equitable access to fuel across Ethiopia. As part of these ongoing efforts, the Ministry has imposed a six-month trading ban on the 250 identified containers, effectively suspending their ability to sell fuel products.
Furthermore, 19 gas stations found to be complicit in these practices have been subjected to the same six-month suspension from trading operations.
In addition to the trading bans, a collective fine exceeding 100 million Ethiopian Birr has been levied on those found to be involved.
The Ministry further confirmed that similar penalties have been imposed on another 35 gas stations implicated in related malfeasance.
During investigations, approximately 385,000 litres of fuel were confiscated while being transported illegally, resulting in the recovery of 27 million Birr in revenue for the government. Minister Kassahun also stated the government will be moving to exclude any petrol stations not operating within the government's digital transaction framework. This move is a demonstration of the Ministry's plan to prevent future fuel hoarding and ensure transparency.
Kassahun underscored the government's resolve to continue strengthening its oversight and enforcement mechanisms to combat such illegal activities.
He reaffirmed that these serious measures will continue to be implemented strictly, highlighting the government's substantial investment in the fuel sector, noting that approximately 137 billion Ethiopian Birr has been allocated to fuel subsidies in the past six months.
The Ministry further specified that within the government's fuel support mechanisms, an additional 463 million Birr has been dedicated to targeted fuel subsidies for public transport and city buses during the same six-month period, reflecting a commitment to mitigate the impact of global fuel price fluctuations on essential public services.
The government's firm stance sends a clear message that it will not tolerate practices that undermine the availability and affordability of fuel for its citizens.