Rwanda has aviation fuel storage facilities with a total capacity of 12 million litres. The announcement comes from the Rwanda Energy Group (REG) as part of a broader update on national petroleum reserves.
Overall, Rwanda can store up to 118 million litres of petroleum products. These reserves include both government-owned and privately owned facilities across the country.
Breakdown of Petrol Storage Capacity
Rwanda’s petrol storage capacity totals 45.2 million litres. Government-owned tanks in Gatsata hold 7.2 million litres. Meanwhile, private facilities in Kabuye can store 3.1 million litres.
In Rwabuye, Huye District, government tanks provide 1.9 million litres of storage. In addition, Bigogwe in Nyabihu District offers 3 million litres through government facilities.
Private tanks in Jabana, within Kigali City, add 10 million litres. Furthermore, government-owned tanks in Rusororo contribute an additional 20 million litres.
Diesel Storage Accounts for the Largest Share
Diesel storage capacity stands at 59.3 million litres. Facilities in Gatsata hold 6.7 million litres, while private tanks in Kabuye store 2.7 million litres.
Government tanks in Rwabuye provide 1.9 million litres. Bigogwe adds another 2 million litres. In Jabana, private operators maintain 10 million litres of diesel storage.
Most significantly, government-owned tanks in Rusororo can store up to 36 million litres of diesel. As a result, diesel represents the largest share of Rwanda’s fuel reserves.
Aviation Fuel and Kerosene Storage
For aviation fuel, Rwanda operates government-owned tanks in Rusororo with a capacity of 10 million litres. Additional tanks in Kanombe store 2 million litres. Together, these facilities give Rwanda a total aviation fuel storage capacity of 12 million litres.
The country also maintains kerosene reserves. Government-owned tanks in Gatsata can store up to 1.5 million litres.
ALSO READ: AI Analysis Shows Rwanda’s Market Prices Rise by 5.1%
Storage Capacity by Location
By location, Gatsata hosts facilities with a combined capacity of 15.4 million litres. Kabuye follows with 5.8 million litres. Rwabuye offers 3.8 million litres, while Bigogwe provides 5 million litres.
Jabana contributes 20 million litres. Rusororo holds the largest share at 66 million litres. Kanombe adds 2 million litres. Together, these locations support total national storage of 118 million litres.
Government Plans Major Expansion
In March 2025, Trade and Industry Minister Prudence Sebahizi said Rwanda’s petroleum storage capacity had already exceeded 110 million litres. She added that the government plans to expand capacity to 320 million litres within two years.
She explained that in 2017, Rwanda consumed about 600,000 litres of petroleum products per day. At that time, storage capacity covered nearly six months of demand.
However, fuel consumption has increased sharply. Rwanda now uses at least two million litres per day due to rising vehicle numbers and industrial growth. Consequently, current reserves can cover no more than two months.
Supply Risks and Import Routes
The minister warned that limited reserves could pose risks if regional supply routes face disruptions. As a result, the government aims to strengthen storage capacity to improve energy security.
Rwanda imports most of its petroleum products from Arab countries. The majority enters through Tanzania, while a smaller portion arrives via Kenya.