Economy

Severe Fuel Shortage Reported in Assosa Following Attack on Fuel Tankers

AI SUMMARY

A severe fuel shortage has hit Assosa after armed groups attacked and destroyed approximately eight fuel tankers in the West Wollega Zone.

Armed groups in the West Wollega Zone of the Oromia Region attacked and destroyed approximately eight fuel tankers en route to Assosa on September 6, 2026.
The destroyed tankers included vehicles destined for Assosa and others supplying the Kurmuk Gold Mining Company, with unconfirmed reports indicating the latter belonged to the Belayneh Kinde Group.
Official fuel stations in Assosa are largely empty, prompting drivers to purchase gasoline on the black market at exorbitant rates, such as 2,000 birr for two liters.
Bajaj drivers who fail to access the official rotation quota of 130 birr are forced to pay up to 1,000 birr per liter on the black market.
Transportation fares in Assosa have surged, with baseline Bajaj costs rising from 10 or 20 birr to 50 birr, and reaching up to 300 birr for seven-kilometer trips.
The fuel crisis has driven up the prices of basic consumer goods, heavily impacting low-income households in the city.
Assosa previously suffered from low fuel supply due to having only eight fuel stations, making the government's monthly quota inadequate.
Regional trade officials and company representatives either could not be reached or stated they had no information regarding the attacked tankers.