Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, has assured the nation that the country has sufficient fuel stocks amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have raised concerns about global supply disruptions.
In an update released on Monday, Kenewendo said there is currently no fuel crisis in Botswana, adding that the government has already secured supplies for the coming months to ensure uninterrupted availability across the country.
“March fuel stocks are fully secured in line with national consumption requirements, while deliveries for April and May have already been ordered to ensure continuity of supply,” she said.
The minister explained that Botswana maintains contingency measures to cushion the country against possible disruptions in international supply chains. These include strategic reserves held by both government and private fuel companies.
She said the construction of new fuel depots in Francistown and Ghanzi is progressing, with both facilities expected to be commissioned in 2027. Once completed, the depots will significantly increase Botswana’s storage capacity and improve its ability to withstand supply shocks.
“In the event of supply chain disruptions, existing strategic stocks held by both Government and the private sector can sustain the country for between 14 and 19 days,” Kenewendo said.
The reassurance comes at a time when global fuel markets remain volatile due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, a region that plays a key role in the production and transportation of crude oil. Any escalation in the conflict has the potential to affect fuel prices and availability worldwide, particularly for import-dependent countries such as Botswana.
Kenewendo said government is continuing to invest in long-term measures aimed at strengthening national fuel security and reducing the risk of shortages in future. Central to these plans is the expansion of fuel storage infrastructure to increase the country’s ability to hold larger reserves.
She said the construction of new fuel depots in Francistown and Ghanzi is progressing, with both facilities expected to be commissioned in 2027. Once completed, the depots will significantly increase Botswana’s storage capacity and improve its ability to withstand supply shocks.
“The objective is to build infrastructure that will support 90 days of national strategic reserves. The Francistown and Ghanzi fuel depots will expand national storage capacity and increase Botswana’s strategic reserves to approximately 60 days of cover,” she said.
Government, she added, will continue to monitor global developments closely and will keep the public informed should the situation change.
