Tuk‑Tuk Drivers Shut Down as Fuel Costs Skyrocket

The streets of Mogadishu feel quieter now that many tuk‑tuk operators have pulled their vehicles out of service. Rising fuel prices, tied to the ongoing tensions in Iran that choke oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, have made it impossible for these small three‑wheelers to stay profitable. Passengers are dwindling because they cannot afford the higher fares that drivers must charge to cover fuel costs. The result is a shrinking market for tuk‑tuk rides, and the drivers are forced to park their vehicles at home. Fuel prices in parts of Somalia have more than doubled, putting a heavy burden on the cost of daily travel for both people and businesses. This spike is felt most keenly by those who rely on cheap transport to move food, medicine and other essentials. The impact is felt by the city’s most vulnerable: a third of Somalia’s population already faces severe hunger due to drought. The added expense of fuel cuts off an essential source of income for many families who depend on the earnings from these vehicles.

One young driver, aged 21, explained that he has no passengers left because the city’s residents prefer walking or staying home. He said he raised his fares in response to fuel costs, but the public simply could not meet the new price. An older driver, 55, shared that he is stuck between his need to provide for his family and the lack of customers. He described his situation as a “very bad condition” because he cannot keep the tuk‑tuk running without sufficient fuel. These stories highlight a broader problem: African nations are among the hardest hit by disruptions in global oil supplies. The ripple effect from the Middle East conflict reaches far beyond the immediate region, affecting everyday life in places like Somalia. The shutdown of tuk‑tuk services is a visible sign that rising energy prices are squeezing small businesses, especially those in the informal sector. Without affordable fuel, these operators cannot maintain their livelihoods or serve their communities.

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