POST-WAR CHALLENGES OF FUEL SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN MEKELLE CITY

Abstract

This study statistically examines the critical impact of post-war conditions on fuel supply chain efficiency based on an empirical analysis in Mekelle City. Employing a mixed-methods approach, primary data were collected from 238 stakeholders, including station managers and consumers. Regression results demonstrate that key variables infrastructure damage, weakened government capacity, black-market activity, political instability, and poor distribution management collectively explain 67.8% of the variance in supply chain performance, with black-market activity and infrastructure damage emerging as the strongest predictors. These findings provide robust empirical evidence that the post-war environment has severely disrupted fuel distribution, leading to shortages and market instability. Consequently, the study recommends integrated recovery strategies focused on infrastructure rehabilitation, regulatory strengthening, black-market suppression, and managerial improvements to restore a reliable and efficient fuel supply system.