Authorities in Ntungamo District have issued a strong warning to residents against hoarding fuel at home, citing rising safety risks as panic buying grips the area amid emerging shortages.
The warning comes as several filling stations report intermittent stock-outs, while others are overwhelmed by long queues of motorists rushing to secure fuel over fears of a complete depletion.
The surge in demand has disrupted supply patterns, with some outlets running dry shortly after restocking, intensifying anxiety among consumers and raising broader concerns about public safety and fuel distribution stability.
At one of the busiest outlets, Shell Fuel Station in Ntungamo Municipality, supervisors say the pressure has forced them to adjust operations to manage the influx.
“The numbers of clients are overwhelming. They are very many,” said Michael Bakashaba, a supervisor at the station.
“I have increased enforcement and added some staff, even if they are not customer champions. Each pump serves two customers at a go, and we now have four people handling each side. We are trying to manage the numbers.”
Local leaders say the situation is becoming increasingly dangerous, particularly with reports of residents storing fuel in jerricans at home.
Ntungamo Municipality Mayor Jakajex Jacob Kafureeka warned that such practices have previously led to devastating fires.
“We are telling our people not to take fuel into their homes because we have seen many homes and markets burnt by fuel stored in jerricans,” he said. “At the end of the day, these families are left in dilemma.”
The Resident District Commissioner, Miriam Kagaiga, has also directed fuel station operators to stop selling fuel in portable containers, emphasizing the risk posed to densely populated communities.
“Let us be security cautious,” Kagaiga said. “I warned fuel stations not to give fuel in jerricans and small bottles. That fuel can be a danger to the community. Some people use charcoal stoves, and if fuel is stored in such spaces and it ignites, it causes serious problems. I urge people to cooperate because fuel will not completely run out.”
A spot check across selected stations reveals significant price variations, reflecting the unstable supply situation.
At Kobil Fuel Station, petrol is retailing at shs 8,500 while diesel goes for shs5,750. At Unique station, petrol is priced at Shs7,500 and diesel at Shs5,450.
Meru station lists petrol at Shs7,990 and diesel at Shs5,350, while Shell’s FuelSave diesel is selling at shs 5,450 and unleaded at shs 5,590.