Ugandan Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Syda Bumba has said that the government had taken measures to reduce the increasing fuel prices in the country.
Bumba made the statement at the parliament on Wednesday, saying that the government is undertaking medium and long term strategies to avert the problem of hiking fuel prices.
She said that the government is constructing an oil pipeline from Eldoret in west Kenya to Uganda to reduce the cost of transporting fuel.
Bumba also said that the government is carrying out research in alternative sources of energy and fuel like bio-diesel, adding that the government is also carrying out research on oil exploration in western Uganda.
She noted that the government is in the process of expanding strategic oil reserves in Kasese, Gulu and Nakasongola districts in addition to the existing ones.
She observed that the government is committed to ensuring regular supply of quality and affordable fuel.
Bumba however explained that the recent increase in fuel prices in the country was international, adding that the government can not have control over them.
Fuel prices went up on Monday hitting their highest in over 12 months.
The price of petrol now costs 1,990 shillings (1.5 US dollar) from 1,890 shillings (1.1 dollars), diesel is at 1,770 shillings ( dollar) from 1,640 shillings( 96 US cents) and Kerosene at 1,700
shillings (99 US cents) from 1,600 shillings (93 US cents).
The increase in fuel prices has also led to the rise of transport fares all over the east African country.