Fuel Shortage Cuts Lake Tana Boat Services to Bare Minimum

Mintesinot Niggusie

Boat services on Lake Tana have fallen to fewer than 10 operational vessels from a fleet of more than 300, as fuel shortages linked to tightening global supply chains disrupt transport and tourism in northern Ethiopia[cite: 1]. The Bahir Dar Culture, Tourism and Sports Office said the decline has sharply curtailed movement across the lake, where transport services underpin both tourism and local economic activity[cite: 1].

The disruption comes amid a broader global fuel squeeze driven by supply constraints and instability in key oil transit routes, including the Strait of Hormuz[cite: 1]. Reduced flows and heightened geopolitical tensions have tightened supply and pushed prices higher, with knock-on effects in import-dependent economies[cite: 1].

The shortage has particularly affected around 70 modern boats used to carry tourists to the lake’s historic island monasteries, limiting visitor access and slowing tourism activity[cite: 1].

“The nationwide fuel shortage has created significant pressure on transport movements on the lake,” said Gashaw, head of the Bahir Dar Culture, Tourism and Sports Office[cite: 1]. Authorities have been distributing available fuel across sectors, but demand continues to exceed supply[cite: 1].

Fishing activity has also been affected; as demand for fish increased following Easter, operators have turned to smaller traditional boats to maintain supply despite fuel constraints[cite: 1].

Efforts to ease reliance on fuel are under way, including solar-powered boats being considered as a longer-term option, with two vessels already tested at pilot stage[cite: 1].