Domino Effect of Hormuz Strait Blockade: Africa Hit by Fuel Shortages, Skyrocketing Prices

The escalation of conflict in the Middle East involving the United States (US), Israel, and Iran is now impacting the energy sector on the African continent. Several countries are reported to be experiencing acute shortages of petroleum fuel supplies, triggering skyrocketing price surges and threats of economic activity paralysis.

The blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is the main culprit disrupting the global supply chain. Zambia, for instance, is now on high alert after its petrol reserves were recorded as sufficient for only 23 days ahead.

The situation is more critical for kerosene supplies, which will last just 9.3 days, and aviation fuel (Jet A-1), with only 10 days remaining.

In South Africa, instances of diesel stock shortages at petrol stations are becoming increasingly frequent. The local government is now planning to diversify supplies and accelerate oil storage infrastructure projects to anticipate a deeper crisis.

The most extreme conditions are observed in Somalia, where petrol and diesel prices have surged to more than double. The government has been forced to impose strict rules on profit margins for sellers and fines for violators to curb price speculation in the black market.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has just announced a 27 percent increase in petrol prices to 2.17 US dollars or the equivalent of Rp 37,000 per litre. Diesel prices have also risen 15 percent to 2.05 US dollars per litre. Despite the soaring prices, Zimbabwean authorities claim that national energy reserves are still secure for the next three months.