UGANDA. The country is struggling to harmonize fuel prices which in the recent days went up amid rising transport fares and food costs.
This has stressed traders and business people as Uganda approaches the festive season.
Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi this week said the increment is a global problem.
Pump prices for a litre of petrol went up by between Shs100-Shs630 and Shs60-Shs200 for a litre of diesel, with highest spike margins reported in Rukungiri and Bushenyi districts.
The price has left Boda boda riders to double transport fares.
In Dokolo district a litre of Petrol shot up from Shs4,000 –Sh4,500.
A petrol station in Dokolo town has operated for close to a week without Fuel and left riders stranded.
Mr. Emmanuel Otwak, a BODA BODA rider said they have doubled the transport fare. For example if your journey cost Shs4,000 it’s doubled to Shs8,000.
Mr. Innocent Okello, another boda boda rider, narrates that he has resolved to cover short distances following the hike in fuel prices.
Meanwhile, the price of a bottle of beverages has gone up.
Nile beer which was initially at shillings Shs3,000 now costs Shs3,500, Pilsner from Shs2,500 – Shs3,000 Smirnoff from Shs3,000-Shs3,500.
Mrs. Shamim Adongo the Assistant Manager of Vino Galaxy Pub in Dokolo district attributed the rise to lockdown which has affected the distribution of raw materials to the manufacturing companies.
Adongo adds that it’s probable that Parents have opted to save for reopening of schools, a reason that has affected their businesses. END
