Rwanda has increased petrol prices for the second time in two weeks as rising global crude oil costs, driven by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, continue to pressure fuel-importing economies, the national regulator announced on Friday.
The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) said the new price adjustments take effect immediately and reflect “prevailing international market trends, supply dynamics and government measures to mitigate the impact of the global price surge.”
Under the revised pricing, a litre of petrol will cost 2,938 Rwandan francs (about 2 U.S. dollars), up from 2,303 francs previously, marking a sharp increase that is expected to affect transport costs and consumer prices across the country.
RURA noted that the adjustment follows sustained volatility in global oil markets, which have been unsettled by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to supply routes.
However, the regulator said the price of diesel will remain unchanged at 2,205 Rwandan francs per litre, following a separate review earlier this month. It said the decision was aimed at cushioning the transport sector and maintaining stability in the movement of goods and passengers.
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“Due to targeted interventions, diesel prices remain unchanged to support public transport and economic activities,” the authority said in its statement.
The latest fuel price hike comes amid broader global energy market instability linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has triggered sharp fluctuations in crude oil prices and raised concerns about supply security among importing countries.
Rwanda, which relies heavily on imported fuel, has been particularly exposed to international price movements, prompting authorities to periodically adjust domestic fuel prices in line with global benchmarks.
In response to the latest increase, RURA urged the public to adopt fuel-saving measures, including the use of public transport, shared mobility and reduced non-essential travel in order to limit consumption.
“Consumers are encouraged to plan travel efficiently, use public or shared transport and avoid unnecessary trips to reduce fuel usage,” the regulator said.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva said the government was closely monitoring global energy developments and prioritising measures to ensure the uninterrupted flow of goods and services.
He said authorities were relying on market-based mechanisms to manage fuel availability and prevent shortages, while also seeking to cushion the impact of external shocks on households and businesses.
“Our priority is to keep goods flowing,” the prime minister said, adding that the government would continue to balance fiscal realities with the need to maintain economic stability.
The repeated adjustments in fuel prices highlight the vulnerability of landlocked economies such as Rwanda to external energy shocks, particularly when global oil markets experience sustained volatility.
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Analysts note that while diesel price stability may help protect logistics and transport costs in the short term, rising petrol prices are likely to increase pressure on household budgets and contribute to broader inflationary trends.
The developments come as several African countries continue to adjust fuel pricing mechanisms in response to global oil fluctuations, with governments attempting to balance subsidy costs, fiscal discipline and social protection.
As uncertainty persists in global energy markets, Rwandan authorities say they will continue to review fuel prices regularly to reflect international conditions while attempting to mitigate the impact on economic activity and vulnerable populations.
