TPLF Restructures Forces Amid Rising Tensions
Bank Manager Killed in Oromia; Federal Forces Retake Town in Amhara
Fuel Supply Disruptions Deepen Amid Middle East Conflict
Ethiopian authorities have said fuel supplier countries in the Middle East will be unable to meet prior commitments due to major supply disruptions caused by the ongoing war in the region.
Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe said more than 180,000 metric tons of fuel currently under procurement will not be delivered. Daily diesel supply has dropped from 9.2 million liters to 4.5 million liters.
He added that the government is subsidizing fuel prices at a cost of 15–20 billion birr per month since the outbreak of the conflict.
To mitigate the shortages, authorities have introduced stricter allocation measures, prioritizing vehicles transporting petroleum and essential goods, public transport services, diesel-powered vehicles, and key manufacturing and export sectors.
TPLF Restructures Forces Amid Rising Tensions
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has reorganized its military forces Tigray Defense Force (TDF), into four fronts comprising twelve army divisions, amid growing concerns over a potential renewed conflict with the federal government, according to a Wazema report.
Commanders have been assigned to each front, with Tigray Interim Regional Administration President Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede designated as supreme commander overseeing all fronts. Brigadier General Megibe Haile and General Fisseha Kidanu have been appointed to lead the Western and Northern Commands, respectively.
The restructuring aims to centralize command and control of all divisions, with fighters receiving salaries from the regional administration.
A regional council composed of senior TPLF leaders and military commanders, led by Chairman Debretsion Gebremichael, is responsible for major political and military decisions.
Central Bank Warns Fuel Crisis May Push Inflation Higher
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the National Bank of Ethiopia has warned that global fuel disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict could increase inflationary pressures in the country.
The MPC maintained its benchmark interest rate at 15%, continuing a tight monetary policy stance aimed at keeping inflation below 10%.
The committee noted steady growth in manufacturing, electricity generation, and transport services, while exports of coffee and oilseeds and imports of raw materials have declined.
The banking sector remains broadly stable with low levels of non-performing loans, though some institutions face liquidity challenges. The budget deficit stood at 1.1% of GDP in the first seven months of the current fiscal year, largely financed through treasury bill issuances.
Bank Manager Killed in Oromia; Federal Forces Retake Town in Amhara
Adugna Weyo, branch manager of Sinqee Bank in Meta Robi district of West Shewa zone, Oromia region, was killed on March 29 in an attack by armed assailants.
Local authorities and the bank confirmed his death but did not provide further details. The Oromo Liberation Army is known to operate in the area.
In a separate development, federal government forces have taken control of Ibnat town, the administrative center of South Gondar zone in Amhara region, following clashes with the Fano militia.
The town had been under the group’s control since January 2026. Authorities accused the militia of looting and burning at least ten government institutions during their occupation.
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