African Nations Tackle Fuel Crisis Amid Ongoing Iran War

Fri Mar 27 2026 12:07:34 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

As conflict in Iran escalates, African countries resort to unconventional measures to mitigate rising fuel costs and energy shortages, including rationing electricity and diluting petrol.

With the war in Iran impacting global fuel prices, various African nations are adopting strategies to cope with the crisis. South Sudan is implementing electricity rationing, while Mauritius experiences an energy emergency due to oil supply shortages. Countries like Ethiopia and Zimbabwe are making adjustments, such as prioritizing fuel supplies for essential services and increasing ethanol content in petrol. Some nations hope to benefit economically in the long run despite rising costs.

Rationing Power and Diluting Petrol - How African Countries Are Coping with Effects of Iran War

Countries across Africa have taken measures such as diluting petrol and restricting electricity consumption to cope with the fuel crisis triggered by the US and Israel's war in Iran.

South Sudan has started to ration electricity in its capital, Juba, while Mauritius has imposed restrictions to reduce wastage especially in high-power consumption areas.

As governments scramble to find alternative sources of fuel, Ethiopian authorities have ordered suppliers to prioritize specific sectors such as security, while Zimbabwe is increasing the ethanol content in its petrol from 5% to 20%.

However, some nations such as Nigeria and South Africa could potentially benefit from new business as a result of the conflict.

South Sudan has some of East Africa's largest oil reserves but predominantly exports crude oil while importing refined products for local consumption. The country generates 96% of its electricity from oil, leading to significant challenges during the ongoing power rationing.

The power rationing in Juba is an extension of ongoing electricity cuts due to maintenance operations, leading to daily power outages for many residents and businesses.

In Mauritius, a shortage of oil imports has triggered an energy emergency. The government has sought alternative fuel supplies from Singapore, raising costs but hopes to stabilize the situation soon.

Zimbabwe's government plans to scrap some taxes on fuel imports in response to a sharp price increase and has seen a rise in fuel prices sparking complaints from local vendors about the escalating costs of living and transport.

In Kenya, approximately 20% of petrol stations report supply shortages due to panic buying and supply chain issues. Meanwhile, Uganda reassures residents about sufficient fuel supplies amid similar concerns.

South Africa government assures citizens that fuel supply remains stable for now, but warns prolonged conflict in Iran may eventually affect fuel availability and prices.

While some may find higher oil prices beneficial, experts caution that ordinary citizens might not notice immediate benefits as transportation costs rise across the continent.