Ethiopia has purchased fuel worth over two billion dollars during the nine months since July 8, 2019, the Ethiopian Petroleum Supply Enterprise announced. The amount was used to purchase over 2.9 million metric tons of benzene, kerosene, aviation fuel, and diesel during the period.

Tadesse Hailemariam, CEO of the enterprise, said this stands at 94 percent of the enterprise planned for the period. 

The import of aviation fuel has decreased by 20 percent, which Mr. Tadesse attributed to the highly reduced number of flights as a consequence of COVID-19.

Diesel imports, on the other hand, have soared due to constant power blackouts and a rise in the needs of industries. 61,415 metric tons of diesel have been imported during the nine months, showing an 11 percent rise from the target set for the period.

Moreover, Ethiopia has spent $45 million to purchase national coal, for inputs to its cement and ceramics-related industries, the CEO discussed. The coal import, which stood at 366,970 metric tons, fell short of the 520,000 target the government had set, mainly due to a slowdown in the construction sector.

Source: The Ethiopian Monitor