· The Reporter · Abraham Tekle
From Hormuz to Megenagna
Summary of the The Reporter report
A fuel shortage of more than three weeks turns commutes in Addis Ababa into long waits. At Megenagna, crowded minibuses charge 60 birr to Goro. Drivers queue for days or pay 500 to 600 birr per litre on the black market. The transport bureau gives public transport first access to fuel. The government says daily diesel supply returns to 9 million litres.
Key points
- Fuel shortages in Addis Ababa had lasted more than three weeks when the story was published.
- A minibus driver said he waits two or three days in fuel queues or pays 500 to 600 birr per litre on the black market.
- The Addis Ababa Transport Bureau gave public transport vehicles first access to fuel.
- The Finance Minister said daily diesel supply fell to about 4.5 million litres and will return to 9 million litres.
Real.et analysis
The Reporter reports that a fuel shortage of more than three weeks made daily travel in Addis Ababa slow and costly. The story starts at the Megenagna transport hub. Hundreds of people wait in the rain for minibuses to Bole, Gerji Mebrat Hail and Goro. A minibus made for 12 passengers carries close to 20. The fare collector asks 60 birr to Goro and 40 birr to Mebrat Hail. A driver says he waits two or three days in a fuel queue, or pays 500 to 600 birr per litre on the black market. Finance Minister Ahmed Shide says daily diesel supply fell by half, to about 4.5 million litres, and will return to 9 million litres.
What this means for commuters
The story shows how a supply shock far away reaches a household budget in the city. A cleaner in the report earns 3,700 birr a month. One 60 birr trip is a large part of her daily income. A self-employed man who lives in Koye Feche and works in Jemo says he now waits at least four hours a day for transport.
The Addis Ababa Transport Bureau gave public transport first access to fuel. It set up a task force against hoarding and overcharging at stations. It asked residents to walk short distances and asked car owners to limit trips. The government said diesel supply was back at the earlier level, although the paper still found shortages.
What this means when you choose a home
Distance to work is a cost, in birr and in hours. A cheaper flat far from your work can cost more in total when fares rise or transport is scarce. Before you sign a lease, do the trip at the hour you would travel. Count the fare for a month. Our guides to renting an apartment in Addis Ababa and the best neighbourhoods help you compare areas.
Background
The shortage followed the conflict in the Middle East and the disruption at the Strait of Hormuz. The Prime Minister said the state spent about 20 billion birr in one month to absorb higher fuel costs. For the official pump prices, see our summary of the April price change.