JUBA — The Government of South Sudan has warned oil marketing companies, including those operating through Kenya, that they risk having fuel shipments impounded and their operating licences revoked if they bypass the official government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel import arrangement.
Authorities said all fuel imports must go through designated suppliers under the G-to-G framework, which was established to regulate procurement, stabilize supply chains, and reduce market disruptions linked to fuel shortages and price volatility in the country.
Officials in Juba said security agencies and customs authorities have been instructed to tighten enforcement at border entry points and transport corridors to ensure compliance. They warned that any fuel consignments entering outside the approved system would be treated as unauthorized imports and subject to seizure.
The government argues that the G-to-G arrangement is designed to improve transparency in fuel procurement and ensure a consistent national supply, particularly as South Sudan continues to face periodic fuel shortages and logistical bottlenecks affecting transport, trade, and essential services.
The warning comes amid growing scrutiny of fuel import channels in East Africa, where governments have increasingly moved to centralize procurement processes in response to price fluctuations, currency pressures, and supply chain disruptions in global energy markets.
Authorities did not immediately specify which companies may be under investigation but said all private importers are required to align their operations with the official framework or face regulatory consequences, including suspension of licences.
The directive is expected to affect cross-border fuel supply chains linked to Kenya, which remains a key transit route for petroleum products destined for South Sudan. Industry stakeholders are expected to seek clarification from regulators as enforcement measures are rolled out.
Officials say the policy is aimed at ensuring “orderly, transparent, and secure” fuel distribution, though analysts warn it could also reshape competition in the sector and increase reliance on state-managed import channels.
