Fuel dealers expect improvements as Uganda switches to direct importation

KAMPALA, UGANDA | THE INDEPENDENT | Fuel dealers in Uganda anticipate that the involvement of the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) as the sole importer of fuel will lead to improved pump prices.

Geoffrey Elyanu, the Supplies and Distribution Manager for VIVO Energy Uganda, expressed this expectation during a media engagement that highlighted the company’s readiness to continue business under the new importation arrangement.

VIVO Energy, a market leader in fuels and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and the Shell licensee in Uganda, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining its known reliability in quality supplies. Elyanu emphasized that the change pertains only to the supplier, not the processes.

“In regards to quality, remember we still use the same pipeline, the same storage tanks, and we transport our fuel. UNOC doesn’t do that; it only brings it in the vessel, and it goes in the pipeline, and then we pick it up. So, nothing has changed; it is still the same process. We still have the same checkpoints, and still have our same qualified staff who make sure that the product arrives here the same way it left. We still have our laboratories, we still have our inspection processes, so we will continue to serve you 100 percent with no altered fuel because the only change is who we are buying from,” he stated.

Elyanu noted that VIVO Energy will continue to import its proprietary fuels, like Shell V-Power, as well as lubricants and LPG. “UNOC will supply us with 100 percent of our petrol and diesel, but we will continue to bring in the other products,” he added. Uganda has transitioned from relying on fuel supplies from Kenya to direct importation through its government-owned company, UNOC. Up to 170 million liters of fuel were received in Mombasa earlier this month.

Elyanu highlighted that VIVO has no ongoing contracts with the Kenyan government, as the previous arrangement involved monthly tenders signed between governments, with no dealer participation. Under the new arrangement, dealers, including VIVO, have signed contracts with UNOC to guarantee supplies, committing to receiving 100 percent of their products from this company.

“Just like you, we are supporting UNOC because we know where we are coming from. So, Ugandans should not worry; we should support UNOC in its endeavors to give Uganda independence,” Elyanu concluded.

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