wanda will receive its first petroleum products shipment secured through new import agreements with Kenya and Tanzania in August 2026, as the country moves to strengthen fuel security and reduce dependence on intermediaries.
The agreements allow Rwanda to access international fuel markets through local companies rather than relying solely on suppliers from other countries, Trade and Industry Minister Kajangwe Antoine Marie said.
“Instead of buying from companies in other countries, they will buy from a Rwandan company, which will itself go to the international market,” Kajangwe said in an interview with the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency.
The new system will initially cover petrol and diesel, with plans to later include aviation fuel and liquefied petroleum gas used for cooking, the minister said.
Rwanda signed a fuel supply and storage agreement with Kenya on June 29, 2026, followed by a similar agreement with Tanzania on July 3. The government says the deals will improve supply reliability, help stabilize prices and create opportunities for Rwanda to serve markets in the wider Great Lakes region.
Fuel users and traders welcomed the move, saying they expect it to ease pressure on prices.
“We hope this will help reduce petroleum product prices because accessing the market directly will make a big difference,” said fuel consumer Nkusi Asiel.
Petroleum products remain Rwanda’s largest import category. In 2024, the country imported fuel worth about $680 million, accounting for nearly 10% of total imports.
Rwanda has expanded its fuel storage capacity to 118 million liters as part of efforts to prevent shortages. The country is also promoting alternative energy sources, including liquefied petroleum gas and electric vehicles.
