Ethiopia Allows Overloading of Fertiliser Trucks to Speed Up Deliveries Amid Fuel Disruptions

Mintesinot Niggusie

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics has authorised fertiliser transport trucks to operate above standard axle load limits to accelerate deliveries for the 2026/27 production season, as fuel-related logistics disruptions slow distribution.

The directive is aimed at speeding up the movement of fertiliser shipments entering the country, including those currently held at port awaiting inland transport.

More than 1.02 million metric tonnes of fertiliser have already been imported, according to ministry data. However, part of the supply remains undelivered due to transport constraints linked to fuel shortages.

Officials said the disruption is tied in part to instability in the Middle East, which has affected fuel supply and constrained transport capacity across the country.

State minister Denge Boru said the measure was introduced to ensure timely delivery of fertiliser to farmers. He noted that while there is no significant backlog at port, continued arrivals of new shipments are adding pressure to the system.

Under the directive, trucks carrying fertiliser are permitted to exceed regulated axle load thresholds, allowing higher volumes per trip and faster turnaround.

The Ethiopian Roads Administration and Ethiopian Toll Roads Enterprise have been instructed to facilitate implementation by adjusting monitoring and enforcement to support the movement of fertiliser cargo.