To obtain fuel (diesel) in Massawa involves first visiting the Ministry of Tourism who contact and obtain a letter from the Eritrean Petroleum Corporation. In the past you then had to pay for the fuel you needed in advance, at the Housing & Commerce Bank of Eritrea, pay US$ into their account at the agreed price of the diesel and they issued a receipt.

However, it now appears that payment is possible (in US dollars) at the fuel station. The whole process to get the official letter, however, does take about 30 hours, so it’s advisable to act quickly on arrival if you need to refuel. 

Go to the authorized fuel station with the authorization letter (Tam Oil at the Taulud Island end of the causeway next to the tank memorial – far end of the anchorage) and jerry cans, and purchase the diesel you need. The price paid is an agreed governmental duty free price.  

The official bank rate is almost four times that of the “street” exchange rate, making fuel very expensive!

Last updated:  November 2019

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