Gasoline, White Diesel, and Kerosene Prices to Remain Unchanged for August, Says Ministry











Addis Ababa, July 20, 2017 (FMC) – The Ministry of Trade and Regional Cooperation announced today that the retail prices of key petroleum products — including gasoline, white diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel — will remain unchanged for the month of August. The decision takes effect starting at 12:00 a.m. tonight.

In a public statement issued by the ministry, it was confirmed that the government has decided to maintain the current prices of these essential fuels in order to stabilize transportation and household energy costs amid ongoing inflationary pressures and volatile global oil markets.

Fixed Prices, Effective from Midnight

Wondimu Flate, Director of Communication Affairs at the ministry, told Fana Digital that this pricing decision comes as part of the government’s monthly fuel price adjustment mechanism. He explained that while prices of some fuel types will stay the same, others — particularly industrial-grade products — will see changes.

“After reviewing international fuel price trends and considering their impact on the domestic economy, the ministry decided to leave the prices of gasoline, white diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel unchanged,” Wondimu stated.

Adjusted Prices for Industrial Fuels

The updated price schedule reflects new rates for black diesel variants, which are primarily used in manufacturing, construction, and other heavy industries:

Light Black Diesel: 127.22 birr per liter

Heavy Black Diesel: 124.55 birr per liter

These rates represent moderate adjustments aligned with international market trends and cost recovery considerations.

Call for Compliance

The ministry also issued a directive to fuel distribution companies and gas station operators across the country, instructing them to strictly adhere to the updated price schedule. It reminded stakeholders that compliance is mandatory under the Proclamation for the Administration and Regulation of Petroleum Products, which outlines penalties for price manipulation and non-compliance.

“The sale of petroleum products must be conducted transparently and in line with national laws and operational guidelines. We expect full cooperation from all retail and wholesale distributors,” Wondimu emphasized.

Background: Monthly Fuel Price Adjustments

Ethiopia introduced a flexible pricing system for petroleum products in 2022, which allows the government to adjust retail fuel prices on a monthly basis in response to fluctuations in the global oil market. The aim is to reduce the burden of fuel subsidies on the state budget while protecting consumers from sudden price shocks.

Although global oil prices have experienced volatility in recent months — partly due to geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions — Ethiopia has taken a cautious approach by absorbing some of the cost to avoid passing it fully onto consumers.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring fuel availability, price transparency, and energy sector stability across the country.