The Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) has clarified the discrepancy in diesel consignment destined for Uganda, citing higher local demand by Ugandan Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) than initially agreed upon with Kenyan authorities.
According to UNOC, the importation of petroleum products through Kenya is managed by the Supply Planning and Vessel Scheduling Committees, which meet monthly to optimize the utilization of the Kenya pipeline system.
Shortly after arrival at Mombasa, Kenya slapped a shs145 billion port fee on the Ugandan bound oil, sparking concerns.
In the statement, UNOC said at a meeting on May 22, 2024, UNOC was allocated 65,000MT of Diesel (AGO) for import, with a delivery date range of July 2-4, 2024.
However, due to higher demand from Ugandan OMCs, UNOC was allowed to discharge 80,000 metric tonnes of Diesel at the Mombasa Port on July 5, 2024, with 65,000 metric tonnes allocated to Ugandan OMCs and the remaining 15,000MT to be availed in August 2024.
“The government of Uganda and the government of Kenya reached an understanding to prioritize the G-2-G transit portion for delivery to Uganda within July 2024, and for UNOC to first avail 65,000 Metric Tonnes to the Ugandan Oil Marketing Companies,” the company explained.
UNOC assured the public that it conducts business prudently and is committed to ensuring the security of petroleum products supply into Uganda.
“Going forward, the petroleum products importation and supply destined for Uganda shall be done by UNOC as per the Petroleum Supply Act, 2003, as amended in November 2023. The UNOC must import the entire demand for the country otherwise there will be a shortfall in supply.”
