South Sudan announced on Wednesday that its capital, Juba, will face electricity rationing, while Mauritius said it would introduce energy-saving measures, as African nations grapple with fuel shortages triggered by the Iran war.
Mauritius, which relies on imported fossil fuels, has seen its heavy fuel oil supply run low after a shipment expected on March 21 failed to arrive, leaving just 15-20 days of stock, Energy Minister Patrick Assirvaden said, AFP reported.
A replacement cargo from Singapore is expected to arrive at the Indian Ocean island nation on April 1, he added.
Restrictions announced on Wednesday include curbs on grid power for non-essential uses such as decorative lighting, swimming pool heating and fountains, the government said.
South Sudan, Kenya, and South Africa also affected
In South Sudan, Juba Electricity Distribution Company said it has begun rotating power rationing across the capital due to shortages.
In Kenya, independent fuel retailers warned that about 20% of outlets were short on supplies after the government kept pump prices steady despite surging global costs.
Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi said on Wednesday the country had sufficient stock and urged consumers not to panic buy or hoard.
In South Africa, a spike in purchases ahead of an expected steep April fuel-price increase, rather than supply constraints, is causing isolated diesel stock-outs at filling stations and among farmers, industry officials said.
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