In a decisive move to curb the growing shadow market of petroleum products in Ethiopia, the Oromia Regional State’s Mojo City Court has handed down stiff prison sentences and heavy financial penalties to two fuel station employees. The defendants, identified as Addis Mulugeta and Haregewoyin Dagu, were staff members at the OLA Energy fuel station in Mojo. Their conviction marks a significant milestone in the government’s intensified crackdown on the illegal diversion of essential energy resources, which has recently caused widespread economic strain across the country.
The criminal activities came to light on the evening of January 23, 2025. At approximately 8:00 PM, security forces acting on a tip-off conducted a surprise inspection at the OLA station. They caught the defendants red-handed while they were illegally pumping 4,000 liters of fuel into unauthorized jerrycans. This method of distribution is strictly prohibited under current Ethiopian law, as it bypasses the regulated vehicle-to-pump system designed to ensure fair access for the public and prevent the hoarding of fuel for black-market resale.
Following their arrest, the Mojo City Prosecutor’s Office filed formal charges citing a violation of the newly enacted Petroleum Products Marketing System Proclamation No. 1363/2017. During the proceedings at the Lome Woreda Court Criminal Bench, the defendants initially pleaded not guilty, prompting a full evidentiary hearing. The prosecution presented a robust case, including eyewitness testimony from the arresting officers and documented evidence of the seized fuel. Despite the defense’s efforts to refute the claims, the court found the evidence overwhelming and established that the defendants had intentionally bypassed legal protocols for personal gain.
In its final ruling, the court emphasized the severity of the offense by imposing rigorous prison terms. The first defendant, Addis Mulugeta, was sentenced to three years and three months of rigorous imprisonment. The second defendant, Haregewoyin Dagu, received a three-year sentence. These sentences are intended to serve as a deterrent to other fuel station operators who might consider engaging in similar illicit activities during a time when the nation is struggling with fuel supply stability and price fluctuations.
The judicial consequences did not end with incarceration. Recognizing the massive illicit profit potential involved in the theft of 4,000 liters of fuel, the court imposed a heavy financial burden on the culprits. Each defendant was ordered to pay a fine of 350,000 ETB, bringing the total fine to 700,000 ETB. This financial penalty is designed to strip away any economic incentive for such crimes. Additionally, the court ordered that the seized 4,000 liters of fuel be sold immediately, with the total proceeds remitted to the government treasury to benefit public services.
This specific case has garnered significant public attention because it is one of the first high-profile applications of Proclamation No. 1363/2017 in Ethiopia. This law was specifically designed to modernize and sanitize the fuel supply chain, which has historically been plagued by smuggling and artificial shortages. The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, along with regional authorities, has been under immense pressure to stabilize the market. By successfully prosecuting this case in Mojo, the government is signaling that the era of impunity for fuel station “insiders” is coming to a close.
Ultimately, the sentencing of the OLA station workers underscores the Ethiopian government’s zero-tolerance policy toward economic sabotage. Beyond the individuals involved, the case highlights the critical role of community vigilance and security oversight in protecting national resources. As Ethiopia continues to implement its new energy distribution reforms, legal experts believe this verdict will set a precedent for future cases involving the mismanagement of regulated commodities. For the residents of Mojo and the surrounding Oromia region, the ruling provides a sense of justice, ensuring that those who exploit public shortages for private profit are held fully accountable under the law.