Addis Ababa (HornCurrent) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has declared a nationwide ban on the import of diesel-powered heavy vehicles, effective 2 October 2025, as part of a major shift toward cleaner and cheaper energy in Ethiopia’s transport sector.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Ogaden Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project in Kallub, Somali Regional State, on Thursday, the Prime Minister revealed that 2,000 buses currently operating in Addis Ababa and on inter-regional routes will be converted from fuel to gas within this year.
“When these two thousand vehicles are converted, transport costs will decrease by at least 50 percent next year compared to the current price,” Abiy said. He emphasized that the move will “greatly help the livelihoods of low-income citizens who commute for work in the city.”
The ban on diesel trucks and the mass conversion initiative are expected to significantly reduce fuel dependency, cut transport costs, and encourage investment in alternative energy.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that private investors importing gas-powered trucks will be eligible for government support, including duty-free incentives.
The announcement marks a milestone in Ethiopia’s energy transition and comes as the country seeks to harness its natural gas resources for both domestic and industrial use.
