By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
The Gambia’s Minister of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines, Nani Juwara, has confirmed that The Gambia holds no strategic oil reserves amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, which are driving sharp increases in global fuel prices.
In an exclusive interview with the Alkamba Times, Juwara admitted the country lacks a national buffer stock but currently has about one month’s supply, with importers arranging additional shipments.
The government is responding with heavy subsidies for April, injecting D316 million to keep petrol at D98 per liter and diesel at D95 per liter, shielding consumers from even steeper rises.
Juwara noted that even major economies with reserves are struggling, urging Gambians to brace for the impact of Middle East instability.
The Minister acknowledged the absence of a national strategic petroleum reserve, a vulnerability shared by many smaller nations but particularly acute for import-dependent Gambia. “Unfortunately, we don’t have a country strategic stock as a small economy, but we have at least a month’s stock availability for now. Some importers are making arrangements for additional supplies in the coming days,” he stated.
Juwara attributed the current price volatility directly to instability in the Middle East, which has disrupted supply chains and transportation routes. “The instability in the Middle East is responsible, and we have to live with it and manage like all other countries,” he said. He noted that even larger oil-producing economies with strategic reserves are facing challenges, urging Gambians to monitor international developments closely.
To cushion citizens and businesses from the fallout, the government has rolled out a substantial subsidy package for April 2026. In a press statement released on April 3, authorities revealed that the total fuel subsidy for the month amounts to D316,146,722.52 (approximately $4.27 million). This intervention aims to prevent the full pass-through of international price hikes to local consumers.
Without subsidies, indicative pump prices for April would have risen dramatically to D101.29 per liter for petrol (a 22.78% increase) and D124.72 per liter for diesel (a 47.43% surge). Instead, the government has capped petrol at D98.00 per liter and diesel at D95.00 per liter. This translates to subsidies of D3.29 per liter on petrol and D29.72 per liter on diesel.
The Ministry of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines emphasized that these measures reflect the government’s commitment to shielding the population during this challenging period. “The government has enacted critical measures aimed at safeguarding citizens and businesses from the significant increases in global fuel prices,” the statement read.
Officials further assured that the ministry will continue collaborating with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and other stakeholders to ensure a steady fuel supply and responsible pricing. Global developments will be monitored closely, with additional steps taken as necessary to balance consumer protection and fuel availability.
As a net importer of refined petroleum products, The Gambia remains highly exposed to external shocks. The current crisis underscores long-standing calls for enhanced energy security, including better inventory management and potential regional cooperation within ECOWAS to build modest buffers against future disruptions.
For now, the April subsidies provide immediate relief, helping to keep transport and electricity costs from spiraling and moderating inflationary pressures on households and businesses. However, with tensions in the Middle East showing no quick resolution, questions linger about the sustainability of repeated subsidy interventions for the country’s limited fiscal resources.
Minister Juwara’s remarks highlight a pragmatic approach: Gambia must “manage like all other countries,” relying on short-term stocks, importer arrangements, and targeted government support rather than large-scale reserves it cannot yet afford.
