Botswana government says it is embarking on projects aimed at aligning the country with international energy security benchmarks, on the back of supply uncertainties emanating from war in the Middle East. The Minister of Minerals and Energy said the expansion programme will be in sync with global benchmarks of 90 days covers for land-linked countries.
Currently, the government has a total of 62.Smillion litres of strategic storage capacity for petroleum strategic stocks. This translates to about 18.9 days of the prevailing consumption equivalent (3.3 million litres per day). On the other hand, the current volume of fuel stocks held by importers and wholesalers is 46.8 million litres (diesel 31.99 million litres and petrol 14.82 million litres). Additionally, 18.2 million litres (diesel 9.40 million litres and 8.86 litres of petrol) are in transit to Botswana.
These volumes do not include product held at retail sites, the minister added. Product held by state-owned Botswana Oil Limited alone stands at 36.8 million litres, comprising 9.5 million litres of ULP 95 and 27.3 million litres of Diesel. This figure includes government strategic reserves. The ongoing projects undertaken by government, which are to be completed in 2026, are expansion of Francistown Depot by 60 million litres and construction of a new depot in Ghanzi with 30 million litres capacity.
“These initiatives will significantly enhance both inland and coastal storage capability and improve supply chain flexibility. Upon completion of these projects, our national fuel days cover will increase from 15 days to 55 days cover,” the minister said in response to a question from Member of Parliament for Maun North, Dumelang Saleshando.
The MP had asked the minister to update Parliament on the current state of fuel supply and national fuel security in Botswana, in light of recent public statements and concerns regarding the adequacy of national fuel reserves. The minister added that Botswana, like many import-dependent countries, remains exposed to global supply risks, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting key maritime routes and international fuel supply chains.
The risks have been highlighted by war in the Middle East between Iran, United States and Israel. The war has affected the flow of oil through the critical Strait of Hormuz passage, which transits about 20 million barrels a day or 25% of global supply.