Ethiopia's National Fuel Reform Committee has reaffirmed the ban on constructing new petrol stations, going against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's recent directive on the issue.
At its latest meeting, the committee headed by Trade Minister Gebremeskel Chala endorsed continuing the restriction and tightening monitoring measures.
However, PM Abiy recently had told city administrators in Addis Ababa to allocate more land for petrol stations to ease congestion caused by long vehicle queues at fuel pumps.
Ethiopia is also struggling with a lack of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, which are being promoted through tax breaks. But citizens heavily rely on gasoline-powered transport in the absence of alternatives.Â
The ban also contradicts ground realities as the country grapples with a severe shortage of gas stations relative to the rapid growth of its vehicle fleet in cities. Long waits have become the norm for motorists in Addis Ababa.
The latest committee decision raises questions about coordination between different stakeholders shaping Ethiopia's ambitious but challenging urbanization and transport transformation agenda.
