The ongoing fuel crisis in Malawi, particularly in urban areas, has been attributed to multiple factors, according to the Transporters Association of Malawi.
Spokesperson Frank Banda said the situation is expected to improve next week as more fuel is set to arrive in the country, with some tanks already loaded.
Banda explained that the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) had faced issues with the Tanzania Revenue Authority, resulting in a suspension of fuel loading. Although the issue was resolved two weeks ago, the temporary suspension caused a disruption in the supply chain.
He also cited congestion at the Dar es Salaam port in Tanzania as another major factor. The port, which serves several African countries including Malawi, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, faced operational challenges due to disputes with importers. These were resolved last week, allowing loading operations to resume.
“Loading resumed on Thursday, and the first batch of 50 trucks has already started arriving in the country. Another 50 trucks are expected to leave Tanzania today,” Banda said.
He added that the association has 150 trucks heading to Dar es Salaam for loading. Meanwhile, over 50 trucks previously stuck at Beira port in Mozambique due to foreign exchange issues are now on the move, with 20 having arrived and others in transit. An additional 80 trucks have been sent to load fuel for Petroleum Importers Limited, and another 100 are scheduled to load for NOCMA on Thursday.
Banda expressed confidence that these efforts will help stabilize the fuel supply across the country.
