Botswana has moved to reassure the public over fuel availability, saying supply remains stable despite concerns triggered by low national stock cover.

The clarification came from the acting Chief Executive Officer of Botswana Oil Limited, Latelang Chakalisa, who told a parliamentary committee that fuel deliveries continue daily and that replenishment efforts are ongoing.

Chakalisa appeared before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Statutory Bodies and State Enterprises, where she explained that the country currently holds about 41.5 million litres of fuel. She noted that petrol reserves would last about 8.4 days, while diesel stocks could last up to 16.4 days.

She added that despite the short-term pressure on reserves, supply trucks continue to arrive regularly, helping to stabilize the situation.

According to her, the government and Botswana Oil are working on long-term measures to improve storage capacity and strengthen national fuel security. The goal is to build a 60-day strategic fuel reserve.

Major infrastructure upgrades are underway in key depots. The Francistown facility is being expanded in phases and is expected to significantly increase storage capacity once completed, while the Gaborone depot continues to serve as a key distribution hub.

Plans are also in place for a new 30 million-litre depot in Ghanzi, alongside the proposed Tshele Hills Strategic Petroleum Depot, which is being developed in partnership with Oman and is still in the early stages.

Chakalisa also highlighted that Botswana Oil manages the bulk of the country’s fuel imports and works with mostly citizen-owned logistics companies.

She further assured lawmakers that all imported fuel undergoes strict quality checks before distribution, stressing that the system is designed to prevent shortages despite fluctuations in stock levels.