Federal officials have denied allegations of disruptions in the supply of fuel to Tigray.
Earlier this week, the Tigray Interim Administration’s (TIA) Trade and Export Agency issued an urgent appeal to federal authorities to reverse a decision it says has completely halted fuel supplies to the region, warning of a catastrophic socio-economic collapse.
In a formal letter obtained by The Reporter, the Agency called on the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, the Petroleum and Energy Authority, and the Ethiopian Petroleum Supply Enterprise to facilitate the resumption of the region’s fuel supply.
Agency chief Hailemeskel Tareke characterized the total suspension of fuel as an “unjust decision” that threatens the very survival of the population.
According to the Agency, Tigray’s fuel supply has seen a staggered and severe decline over the past year. The letter states that the region’s routine supply of 12 to 15 million liters of fuel per month has fallen sharply since February 2025.
The Agency says supply had dropped to 850,000 liters by last month, and states fuel deliveries to the region have been cut off completely in the last few weeks.
Its officials warn the lack of fuel has made it impossible to provide basic government and public services. Critical infrastructure currently under threat or paralyzed includes healthcare, utility and telecommunications, and humanitarian aid, according to the letter.
It states that hospitals and medical facilities, including Mekelle Referral Hospital, are reaching a point where they can no longer provide regular or emergency services.
The Agency said emergency life-saving operations and the delivery of humanitarian aid to displaced persons in shelters have been rendered impossible.
The letter notes that the blockade has triggered a massive surge in the price of goods and services, exacerbating the already high cost of living in the region. No fewer than 93 gas stations in Tigray are facing closure due to lack of inventory, leading to heavy financial losses and the displacement of employees, according to the Agency.
The letter, which copied senior TIA officials including President Tadesse Werede, concludes with a demand for the immediate resumption of fuel supplies to prevent further socio-economic devastation.
Nonetheless, Destaw Mekuanent (PhD), director-general of the Petroleum and Energy Authority, denies the claims.
He told The Reporter that the allegations are false, and maintained that fuel distribution is proceeding routinely across the country.
