Addis Ababa Deploys Natural Gas Buses with Plans for Further Expansion

The Addis Ababa City Administration has deployed 26 public buses powered by natural gas, as part of a government initiative to reduce reliance on imported petroleum. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed introduced the buses on October 30, 2026, announcing that the transition is expected to facilitate a 50 percent reduction in public transport fares. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to leverage domestic energy resources, including natural gas fields in the Ogaden Basin, for public transport and industrial use.

The government plans to introduce an additional 400 natural gas-powered buses, though specific details regarding financing, procurement, and the delivery timeline remain undisclosed. The strategy aims to lower foreign-exchange expenditures on fuel imports, while creating a new market for domestically produced gas. While the government has promised a 50 percent fare reduction for commuters, a comprehensive schedule detailing the affected routes and implementation dates has not yet been released.