Burundi’s economy has been in a prolonged crisis, with officials repeatedly citing a shortage of U.S. dollars as the main reason behind the fuel scarcity, as petroleum products are imported using foreign currency.

On April 10, 2025, Ndirakobuca appeared before Parliament to present how the government had implemented the 2024/2025 national budget. Among the many issues raised by MPs was the persistent fuel crisis and other problems affecting the nation.

Before diving into explanations, Ndirakobuca said, “First, allow me to apologize. But before I do, let me thank all of you who asked these important questions.”

He emphasized that as Prime Minister, his role is to coordinate and prepare government actions, not to speak on behalf of individual ministers.

“Many questions were asked, including those about fuel. But I don’t think the Prime Minister is solely in charge of fuel. I don’t believe there is a particular issue he is more responsible for than others. This is a concern for all Burundians, and as such, it is also a concern for the Prime Minister,” he said.

Last year, President Évariste Ndayishimiye had announced that a ship carrying fuel was en route to Burundi, suggesting that a solution was imminent. When asked about this ship, Ndirakobuca admitted he had no information.

“If you come and ask the Prime Minister, ‘Do we have any news about the ship, whether it’s here or there?’ I think that would be hard for him to answer, he’s not tracking fuel ships or measuring quantities. I believe the minister in charge of that sector has the experts.”

Ndirakobuca appeared before Parliament to present how the government had implemented the 2024/2025 national budget.

Ndirakobuca also commented on the public expectation that he should always apologize, saying Burundians sometimes take advantage of humility.

“Don’t think that I like apologizing just because I do it often. Burundians are difficult, when they see someone kneeling in humility, some want to push it further and say, ‘Let’s make him kneel again, let him go on apologizing.’ Thank you, and I hope you accept my apologies.”

Gélase Daniel Ndabirabe, the President of Burundi’s National Assembly, criticized MPs for questioning the Prime Minister about fuel, arguing that fuel is actually available in the country.

“If, as they often claim, there are no foreign currencies in the country, then where do those many fuel-guzzling trucks that fill the roads get their fuel from? Why don’t you ask them? Even now, go out and see, vehicles are everywhere, trucks are moving. Fuel is stocked in people’s homes.”

Ndabirabe added that while the Central Bank may lack foreign currency reserves, individuals are holding it privately.

“It’s not that there’s no foreign currency in the country, it’s just not in the central bank, it’s in people’s pockets. And those who keep crying ‘shortage’ are trying to mislead the government.”

Gélase Daniel Ndabirabe, the President of Burundi’s National Assembly, criticized MPs for questioning the Prime Minister about fuel, arguing that fuel is actually available in the country.

Burundi’s Prime Minister, Gervais Ndirakobuca, failed to provide a clear explanation for the ongoing fuel shortage in the country.