Burundi: Fuel shortage ongoing nationwide in mid-to-late August

Event

Fuel shortages have been reported nationwide in mid-to-late August. The exact cause of the shortage is unclear. Officials have reportedly indicated that irregularities with the distribution of existing stock are to blame.

Shortages in fuel products may continue for several days or longer. Long queues at refilling stations and other fuel depots are likely. Fuel hoarding may exacerbate shortages in some places. Protests in response to shortages may occur. Likely protester locations are fuel distribution areas or government buildings. Security forces will almost certainly deploy and seek to disperse any protests that materialize.

Advice

Stock up on fuel when possible; if traveling long distances is unavoidable, ensure your tank is full and carry additional supplies. Do not buy fuel in the black market; security personnel may crackdown on black market traders. Ensure fuel supplies to generators; confirm delivery agreements. Avoid all protests as a precaution.