Ethiopia is asking its citizens to conserve fuel as the country faces a severe shortage of petroleum supplies from the Middle East. The government has implemented rationing measures and is urging businesses and individuals to reduce consumption to prevent a complete shutdown of essential services. State reserves are being tapped to maintain critical operations, but officials warn that supplies are dwindling rapidly.

The fuel crisis has disrupted transportation networks across Ethiopia, with many gas stations running dry and long queues forming at those still operating. Public transport services have been scaled back, and taxi drivers report operating at reduced capacity due to fuel unavailability. The shortage has also impacted industrial production, with factories forced to cut output or shut down entirely.

Ethiopia's reliance on imported fuel from the Middle East has left it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. The government is now exploring alternative sources and negotiating emergency shipments to bridge the gap. Analysts suggest the crisis could have lasting economic impacts, particularly on small businesses and the informal sector that depend heavily on fuel for daily operations. The situation highlights Ethiopia's need to diversify its energy sources and build more resilient supply chains.