Fuel in Burundi : millions stolen from petrol stations under the gaze of the authorities

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, February 3, 2026 – The Burundi Bureau of Standards (BBN) has revealed serious irregularities in fuel distribution in Burundi. According to the institution, widespread theft has occurred at petrol stations over a two-year period, where consumers often receive less fuel than they paid for.

The phenomenon was detailed during a meeting held on Friday, January 30, between the BBN and petrol station managers. The Director General of the BBN, Samuel Ndayiragije, denounced these practices, emphasizing that “a customer who pays for 10 liters may only receive 8.5.” Some stations temporarily modify their pump settings to pass official inspections before resuming their fraudulent practices.

Sophisticated fraud and shared responsibility

According to the BBN, fraud affects both urban and rural areas. Some stations acknowledge abuses by their employees, but also point the finger at fuel depots, accused of delivering insufficient quantities, as well as public officials suspected of accepting bribes to turn a blind eye to these irregularities.

The Director General of the BBN states that some internal agents involved in unethical practices have already been sanctioned and calls on station operators to report any malfunctions to ensure transparency in inspections.

Strengthened control measures

To curb these practices, the BBN announces increased inspections and unannounced raids on service stations and fuel depots, day and night, every day of the week. The goal is to put an end to fraud and protect consumers, who are particularly affected during periods of shortage.

A crisis exacerbated by the regional situation

Burundi is facing a chronic fuel shortage, worsened by the closure of its land borders with Rwanda since January 2024 and the temporary closure of the Burundi-DR Congo border following the capture of Uvira by the M23 on the night of December 9-10, 2025. Although the rebels’ withdrawal was announced on January 18, Burundian authorities believe the security situation remains fragile and fuel supplies uncertain.

In Bujumbura, many residents turned to Uvira to fill up their tanks, often buying from black market vendors at exorbitant prices. Fuel supplies from Tanzania also remain difficult and risky, while some officials prefer to remain silent or allege sabotage, leaving vehicle owners and drivers at the mercy of shortages and fraud.

A welcome relief for consumers

The measures announced by the BBN have been welcomed by consumers, who hope that the unannounced raids and increased controls will put an end to fuel distribution fraud. For them, it’s no longer just about regulating the market, but about guaranteeing access to legal fuel in sufficient quantities, vital for transportation and the local economy.