Burundi : the fuel shortage paralyzes transportation throughout Bujumbura

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, April 28, 2026 — Since Monday, April 27, 2026, a severe disruption to public transportation has been observed throughout Bujumbura, the commercial capital of Burundi. The cause : a persistent fuel shortage that is severely impacting bus service and complicating travel for residents.

In front of several petrol stations, public transport buses have been immobilized since the weekend due to a lack of fuel. Meanwhile, passengers are crowding into parking lots in the north and south of the city, hoping to find transportation to reach their workplaces or destinations.

Near the former central market, where the city’s main parking lot is located, new makeshift taxi stands have sprung up. As early as 8:30 a.m., some commuters reported waiting since 6:00 a.m. without success, particularly for buses serving the Ville–Kinindo route. Others tried to reach the south of the country, notably Rumonge or Makamba, but encountered the same problem : the lack of buses.

Faced with this situation, taxis and private vehicles took over, often at prices far exceeding the usual fares. The trip between the city center and Kinindo ranged from 4,000 to 5,000 Burundi francs, while the journey to Kanyosha Busoro could reach 6,000 francs. These prices are negotiated directly with drivers in a context of high demand. Under normal circumstances, the cost of a bus trip to these two destinations does not exceed 600 Burundi francs.

Some accounts also mention corrupt practices involving police officers, accused of taking money from drivers to allow them to transport passengers. This situation is further fueling citizen discontent.

Moreover, the black market for fuel is experiencing soaring prices. In just a few days, the price per liter has jumped from 18,000 to as much as 40,000 Burundi francs. According to drivers, these prices fluctuate regularly depending on information from official fuel distribution channels. On the official market, a liter of gasoline is priced at 4,000 Burundi francs.

This crisis is severely impacting the daily lives of Bujumbura residents. Some are forced to walk long distances, especially those living near the city center. For others, particularly those who have to cross the Ntahangwa and Kanyosha rivers, transportation costs can reach at least 10,000 Burundi francs per day.

The population is calling for an urgent and lasting solution to the fuel shortage, which has become a recurring problem in the commercial capital. Despite recent assurances from government spokesperson Jérôme Niyonzima, no concrete measures have yet been announced to mitigate the effects of this crisis.

The situation is not unique to Bujumbura. All regions of the country are experiencing the same difficulties related to the fuel shortage. The crisis is exacerbated by tensions surrounding Iran, which are disrupting the global energy market and affecting oil supplies in several countries.

The small East African nation has also been experiencing a chronic fuel crisis for over five years, a situation that continues to severely impact transportation, the economy, and social life in the country.