Oil & Gas

Rwanda is set to receive its first direct shipment of 40,000 tonnes of refined petroleum products through Tanzania's Port of Tanga by the end of July 2026, marking a significant step in strengthening the country's fuel supply chain. The shipment follows an agreement between the Rwanda National Energy Company (RNEC) and Gulf Bulk Petroleum Tanzania Limited to facilitate the importation and storage of bulk fuel through the Port of Tanga.

The initiative forms part of Rwanda's strategy to procure petroleum products directly from global suppliers, reducing dependence on intermediaries and improving the efficiency of its fuel supply system. The government has also signed agreements with Kenya to access fuel supplies through the Northern Corridor, giving the country greater flexibility by using both the Central and Northern transport routes.

Officials say the new procurement model is expected to lower import costs, stabilize fuel prices and strengthen energy security through bulk purchasing and expanded strategic fuel reserves. Beginning in August 2026, Rwanda will also start importing fuel directly from Oman under a government-to-government agreement implemented through OQ Trading.

The first shipment, equivalent to about 50 million litres of petroleum products, is expected to be followed by one fuel vessel every month. The government believes the new supply arrangements, together with plans to nearly double national fuel storage capacity, will improve resilience against supply disruptions while supporting long-term economic growth and price stability.