The issue of petrol shortages in this country led the police in May 2024 to order vehicle owners in Bujumbura City not to queue at petrol stations knowing there was no fuel available, warning that those who defy the order would be punished.

During various parliamentary sessions, deputies continued to express concerns about this issue and the widespread poverty affecting citizens.

On June 12, 2024, Deputy Hatungimana Athanase said that due to the decision made by the Burundi Police, some deputies are now walking on foot because their cars are parked at home.

These issues were brought up again on June 13, 2024, but Ndabirabe expressed his displeasure at hearing the complaints, stating that some members of the National Assembly were among those causing the problem.

Ndabirabe stated, "But there is something you keep saying about limited resources and people being poor. Is what you are saying true? Recently, when there was currency devaluation, did you see what happened? Didn’t citizens withdraw millions and millions from banks?”

He continued, “Now you are saying people are poor, and they are selling maize, many of them saying they have nowhere to sell it. Do you believe what you are saying? Find another way to describe it. Burundians are eating, if you want every Burundian to have an airplane or a car, I think that is unlikely to happen.”

Regarding petrol, Ndabirabe said that some people are hiding it in their homes, with some being caught with 5000 or 3000 liters, and that among those doing this are deputies or their associates. He said these actions are causing people to claim that Burundi is out of petrol, which he believes could incite unrest among citizens.

He said, “People continue to bring petrol, even now it is coming in. Where is this petrol going? We should ask the government to reinstate the death penalty for those caught stealing petrol because they are causing problems for the citizens. They should be executed, perhaps it would decrease. People in the government are staying up all night to ensure this petrol is available. There are some things you say, making one wonder if you see anything. Are there no Burundians going abroad to say ’don’t give Burundi petrol’? You don’t see or mention them?”

For those saying foreign currency is scarce, Ndabirabe mentioned that some deputies are trading it, using it to build expensive houses. He suggested that those handling it illegally should have their hands cut off, preventing them from continuing to use it unlawfully.