The high cost of fuel is affecting everyone worldwide. However, for those already living in vulnerable economies, the increase in fuel prices impacts other areas of life. Anglican Aid’s partners are feeling this strongly.   

Pakistan: Resignations at Bethel Rufin School

Anglican Aid’s partner 1toAnother, who run Bethel Rufin School in Pakistan, shared that they are facing a price increase of up to roughly 40%. To lower fuel consumption, the Pakistani government has reduced school hours to three days a week, significantly disrupting students’ learning. At Bethel Rufin School, two teachers submitted resignation notices as they couldn’t afford to travel to school. Thankfully, by God’s grace, the school’s management team encouraged the staff to stay and provided them with a temporary travel allowance. Yet, this is only a short-term solution.   

India: Shortage of fuel restricts livelihoods and services

In India, most households use cylinders of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking, and the conflict in the Middle East has caused a shortage of these. Anglican Aid’s partner Anugrah Disabilities shared that the father of one of their children can no longer obtain enough LPG to operate his roadside eatery. Their family income is now greatly reduced. The kitchen at Herberpur Christian Hospital, where Anugrah is based, is also limited in its fuel supply. Not having enough for daily operations, they have needed to change the type of food they cook for staff and patients. 

Burundi: Two and a half hours to access healthcare

Burundi has always had difficulty accessing fuel. However, since the conflict in Iran, even alternative supply chains have been unable to meet demand. This is felt by Anglican Aid’s partner the Diocese of Gitega. In one story they shared, Claude, a local man, fell dangerously ill. However, because there was not enough fuel for an ambulance to reach him, his neighbours carried him on a stretcher for nearly two and a half hours to receive medical attention. By God’s grace Claude survived, but his situation could have easily ended differently.  

Anglican Aid’s partners greatly appreciate prayer from their Christian brothers and sisters. Please join us in praying for them. You can access prayer points on our Big Prayers for Churches resource page.