Government Clarifies Fuel Purchase Restrictions Amid Panic Buying Concerns
By Anton Wokie
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has clarified temporary fuel purchase restrictions introduced to prevent artificial fuel shortages caused by panic buying and fuel hoarding, assuring the public that legitimate bulk fuel purchases for farming, tourism, and business operations will still be allowed.
In a media statement issued on 11 May 2026, the Ministry said it had noted growing public concern after reports emerged that some fuel retail outlets were refusing to fill fuel drums and jerry cans as part of efforts to control abnormal fuel demand.
The Ministry acknowledged that many farmers, tourism operators, contractors, and other business owners regularly buy fuel in bulk for operational purposes and should not be treated as panic buyers or fuel hoarders. It also noted that not all consumers have formal consumer installation certificates.
As a result, fuel retailers and resellers have now been instructed to use discretion and request satisfactory explanations before refusing customers access to fuel intended for legitimate operational use.
“It is therefore against this background that the ministry is hereby instructing all fuel retail outlets and resellers alike to request satisfactory explanations and exercise proper discretion before filling fuel drums or petroleum product jerry cans for farmers, business operators, and other citizens who require fuel for purposes other than hoarding or panic buying,” the statement reads.
According to the Ministry, fuel wholesalers and retailers are also expected to support government efforts by educating customers about the temporary preventative measures, which are expected to remain in place for the next three months.
The statement further directed fuel marketing managers across the country to identify genuine customers, including farmers, tourism operators, contractors, and other businesses, by requesting reasonable proof or explanations of their activities before deciding on bulk fuel sales.
Government says the measures are aimed at stabilizing fuel supply and preventing unnecessary shortages caused by panic-driven purchases.
