PM Abiy Announces Launch of First 26 Natural Gas-Powered Buses in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, October 29, 2026 (ENA) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced that the first 26 city buses converted from conventional fuel to natural gas have officially entered service in Addis Ababa.

The move marks a new step in the transformation of the capital's public transport system.

“This historic milestone slashes foreign currency spending on fuel, cuts public transit operational costs, and reduces passenger fares by half,” the Prime Minister wrote on his social media channel.

PM Abiy said the milestone follows months of work to transport locally produced natural gas to Addis Ababa, establish refueling stations, and retrofit existing buses.

 

He noted that the transition will significantly reduce foreign currency expenditure on fuel, lower public transport operating costs, and cut passenger fares by half.

The locally undertaken conversion also demonstrates Ethiopia's growing domestic technological capabilities and progress in technology transfer, he added.

The Prime Minister further disclosed that 400 additional natural gas-powered buses are expected to arrive soon as the country moves to reduce its dependence on conventional fuels.

 

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to delivering tangible and lasting improvements in citizens' lives through continued progress in food security, housing, and transportation.