By Ashiadey Dotse
A Senior International Affairs and Political Analyst, Nana Karikari, is urging African governments to take immediate action to protect citizens from the effects of rising oil prices caused by the ongoing tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show on Wednesday March 18, 2026, Nana Karikari said the conflict is already disrupting global oil supply and pushing prices upward, a situation she warned could severely affect African economies.
She explained that many African countries depend heavily on imported fuel, and any increase in global oil prices quickly leads to higher transport costs, increased food prices, and general inflation.
According to her, some countries such as Kenya and Tanzania are already taking steps to reduce the impact by managing fuel supply and protecting their energy reserves. She added that Ethiopia has introduced subsidized fuel to help ease the burden on citizens.
However, Nana Karikari stressed that these measures may not be enough if the conflict continues for a long time. She warned that prolonged tensions could push oil prices to extreme levels, possibly affecting all sectors of the economy, especially agriculture.
She noted that rising fuel prices will increase the cost of food production and distribution, making life more difficult for ordinary people. She also pointed out that some African countries may begin to rely more on oil-producing nations like Nigeria, Algeria, and Angola for energy support.
The analyst further observed that global powers such as Russia and China could benefit from the situation, as shifting trade relations may favor them amid the crisis.
She therefore called on African leaders to introduce strong and proactive policies, including subsidies and strategic reserves, to cushion citizens and stabilize their economies against the growing global energy crisis.
