Ship due to deliver fuel to São Tomé and Príncipe
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Telanon
A ship carrying petrol, kerosene and jet fuel is due to arrive in São Tomé and Príncipe, Economy and Finance Minister Gareth Guadalupe announced. The delivery is expected to meet the country’s needs until next year, after more than 15 days of petrol shortages, according to the minister.
A ship carrying oil, petrol and jet fuel is due to arrive in São Tomé and Príncipe at about 10am on Wednesday 21 October 2026, State Minister for the Economy and Finance Gareth Guadalupe announced. The delivery is expected to end a petrol shortage that has lasted for more than 15 days and ensure stocks until next year, according to the minister, quoted by Telanon.
Taxi drivers, fishermen and motorbike drivers are among those most affected by the supply disruption, which has halted their work. Gareth Guadalupe acknowledged the difficulties caused to the population and said the government led by Prime Minister Américo Ramos had a strategy to prevent further shortages.
The strategy includes reducing imports of diesel, which accounts for more than half the cost of current supplies and remains the country’s main source of electricity generation. The government hopes to connect 10 to 11 megawatts of solar energy to the grid by the end of 2026 and is also working to build a gas production plant to gradually replace domestic oil.
The announcement comes after several delays to the arrival of the oil tanker, which had been expected since 14 October. The shortage was reported on 17 October as likely to last a week, according to Telanon.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
