Aurangzeb announces targeted relief amid global fuel supply concerns

African coverage stresses that countries like Kenya face both physical shortages and unaffordable prices as Middle East war disrupts supply routes. Governments are under pressure to cut fuel taxes or offer temporary relief, but many have weak budgets and high debt. Commentators warn that transport, food prices and power generation in several African states could be hit if the crisis drags on.

• •Kenya’s fuel retailers are already running short of supplies because of disrupted shipments from the Middle East.
• •African governments face strong domestic pressure to grant temporary fuel tax relief to ease pump prices.
• •Higher fuel costs threaten to raise food prices by increasing transport and farm input expenses across African countries.
• •Some African economies risk power shortages where diesel generators and fuel-fired plants are key to electricity supply.
• •Debt-laden African governments may struggle to finance broad fuel subsidies without cutting other public services.