Saturday, 11 June 2016 – President Paul Kagame unveiled a 22 million litres fuel storage depot in Rusororo Sector, Gasabo District. The facility increases Rwanda’s fuel storage capacity from 31 million to 74 million litres – this includes a new 21 million litres storage facility in Kabuye – and will be key in addressing the country’s growing fuel demand.

This investment is in line with the Government’s petroleum consumption forecast growth of 640,000 m³ per year in 2020 vis-à-vis the current 360,000 m³ per year.

Constructed by Societe Petroliere (SP) Ltd., the fully automated fuel depot sits on a 12-hectare piece of land. The US$ 22 Million worth facility has created over 150 employment opportunities in the course of its construction and upon completion.

Speaking at the inauguration of the facility, President Kagame said that maintaining adequate fuel reserves is one of the key measures towards safeguarding national security and making Rwanda’s economy more dynamic and resilient.

The President lauded the facility as an example of the kind of productivity and collaboration that the Government seeks in public-private partnerships.

“The approach taken here leverages the best of each partner: skills and management from the private sector, while government provides the stable and conducive environment required for sustainability. My message to business leaders is simple: We need more such joint ventures, all across our economy,” President Kagame said.

Rwanda has been importing petroleum products from neighbouring countries. It would take several days and endless hardships in transit for the fuel trucks to finally reach Kigali.

The Government of Rwanda has for long been looking for effective ways to boost its fuel reserves through partnerships with the private sector.

In 2013, the Ministry of Trade and Industry together with the Ministry of Infrastructure signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Societe Petroliere (SP) Ltd. The construction of the depot begun in June 2014 and was completed in 14 months. About 5.6 million litres are reserved for open market while the rest is part of Rwanda’s strategic stock.

In collaboration with the Government, SP plans to increase the storage capacity of the depot to 60 million litres within the next five years.