Tigray’s Interim Chief Points to Fuel Shortages, Budget Delays After Addis Talks

Mintesinot Nigussie

Tigray’s interim leader Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede has said fuel shortages and delayed budget flows remain key constraints in the region, following recent talks with Ethiopia’s federal government in Addis Ababa.

Briefing reporters on Tuesday, Worede said he travelled to the capital after an invitation from federal authorities to present a report on the situation in Tigray and discuss administrative and economic issues. He said the trip was coordinated with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and aimed at reducing tensions with the federal government.

He said discussions covered budget releases, salary payments for public workers, and the functioning of regional institutions. According to him, some federal budget allocations had begun to be disbursed for development projects, while talks were ongoing on additional financial support, including wages.

Worede identified fuel supply as a major bottleneck, saying shortages were disrupting agricultural mechanisation and slowing broader economic activity. He also pointed to restrictions on budget flows as affecting basic services across health, education, and infrastructure sectors.

He said education services remained disrupted by the conflict, with efforts to restore normal operations constrained by funding gaps. Health facilities and infrastructure projects were also under strain.

Overall, the interim chief’s briefing highlights the persistent economic and logistical challenges facing Tigray despite ongoing dialogue with the federal government.