Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called for urgent fuel conservation measures, warning that escalating conflict in the Middle East is disrupting global oil supplies and tightening access for import-dependent countries.
In a statement published on X, Abiy urged fuel distributors, service stations and consumers to prioritize essential services as supply chains come under strain.
“Countries that rely on fuel imports are facing growing difficulty securing supplies under normal conditions,” he said, adding that conservation would be critical until global flows stabilise.
The prime minister instructed that available fuel be directed toward key sectors, including transportation, healthcare, food distribution and other vital services.
The warning comes as global energy markets reel from escalating hostilities following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, which triggered a wave of retaliatory attacks across the region.
Iran has since launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and locations across Jordan, Iraq and Gulf states hosting US military assets, raising fears of a broader regional war.
Tehran has also effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz — a critical artery for global النفط shipments — sharply constraining maritime oil flows and sending shockwaves through international markets.
Ethiopia, which relies entirely on imported petroleum products, is particularly exposed to supply disruptions and price volatility stemming from the crisis.
Officials warn that prolonged instability in the Middle East could deepen fuel shortages and strain essential services across the country.