# Fuel supply restored in São Tomé and Príncipe

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fuel-shortages-in-so-tom-and-prncipe
> Updated: 2026-10-20T16:46:56.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

São Tomé and Príncipe has experienced shortages of gasoline and domestic petroleum due to insufficient financial resources to cover rising international import costs. Minister of Economy and Finance Gareth Guadalupe noted that while government subsidies have been used to protect citizens, the measure may not be sustainable long-term.

As the shortage persists, it has begun impacting the transportation, fishing, and domestic cooking sectors. The scarcity of petroleum has forced families to use alternatives such as charcoal or firewood, which has increased household expenses and contributed to rising food prices. To address the crisis, the government has instructed the National Police to shut down unauthorized street vendors and illegal gas stations.

Following a nearly two-week shortage, fuel supplies including gasoline, diesel, and domestic kerosene have returned to gas stations after a shipment was unloaded at the port in the Lembá district. Minister Gareth Guadalupe stated that the government chose to wait for a single shipment to address multiple shortages simultaneously. He acknowledged the hardships faced by the population and urged citizens to avoid purchasing fuel at inflated prices on the informal market.

To mitigate future energy crises, the government is pursuing long-term strategies such as expanding solar energy to reduce diesel dependency and transitioning domestic users from kerosene to gas. Plans are also underway to establish a local gas production factory.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-20: São Tomé and Príncipe restores fuel supply after shortage

Fuel supplies have been restored in São Tomé and Príncipe after a two-week shortage, following the arrival of a shipment containing gasoline, diesel, and domestic petroleum.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/so-tom-and-prncipe-restores-fuel-supply-after-shortage

### 2026-10-17: São Tomé e Príncipe fuel shortage expected to last another week

A fuel shortage in São Tomé e Príncipe is expected to continue until at least next Wednesday, impacting transportation, fishing, and household costs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/so-tom-e-prncipe-fuel-shortage-expected-to-last-another-week

### 2026-10-05: São Tomé and Príncipe faces fuel shortages amid rising global energy costs

São Tomé and Príncipe faces fuel shortages due to high import costs, while the IMF warns that global energy subsidies are failing to reach the poorest populations effectively.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gasovia-launches-interactive-fuel-price-map-for-europe

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Cite as: Fuel supply restored in São Tomé and Príncipe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fuel-shortages-in-so-tom-and-prncipe