Malawi Fuel Shortage Enters Second Week as Transport Disruptions Deepen

Malawi’s fuel shortage has entered its second week, disrupting travel, work and business activity as motorists continue searching for supplies at filling stations.

Long lines have formed at gas stations across the country, with some drivers sleeping in their vehicles for days while waiting for stations to receive fuel. The shortages have made routine journeys increasingly difficult for residents.

Transport costs rise

The disruption has also affected public transport. Coxley Kamange, secretary general of the Minibus Owners Association of Malawi, told Malawi24 that the shortage has contributed to rising transportation fares.

Some passengers have opted to walk after finding that they could not afford the new minibus prices. The higher fares have added pressure for people trying to reach work and carry out daily activities.

Businesses are also losing customers, while citizens face difficulties getting to their workplaces. The shortage has therefore extended beyond filling stations, affecting commerce and movement in communities across Malawi.

Uncertainty over supplies

Authorities had not provided an update on when conditions might improve, according to Malawi24. It remained unclear when fuel supplies would return to normal.

Kamange has called on the government to address the crisis urgently. No further details on measures to restore supplies were available.

Import dependence adds pressure

Malawi relies heavily on imported fuel for domestic consumption. Analysts say the country is chronically short of the foreign currency needed to finance oil imports, a factor linked to the continuing supply difficulties.

The country also experienced another fuel crisis earlier in the year, when global oil prices increased amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. The current shortage has renewed pressure on transport users and businesses while uncertainty over supply restoration persists.