Government says 92 trucks carrying more than 3.2 million litres of fuel are expected to arrive in the country between now and Friday to help ease the current shortage.
The minister’s assurance comes as motorists continue to endure long queues across major cities, with the private sector warning of potential production slowdowns if the situation persists.
Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Jean Mathanga, told Parliament that the fuel deliveries are part of government’s ongoing efforts to normalize supply following weeks of persistent scarcity.
“As we sit today, between now and Friday the 14th, the country will receive 92 trucks of fuel translating to about 3.25 million litres. We are not running away from responsibility. We inherited this problem, and we are solving it,” she said.
The minister said the imported fuel will be used to ease pressure at filling stations while government works to rebuild depleted reserves and strengthen supply chains.
She explained that Malawi has faced fuel shortages due to a combination of factors, including limited forex allocations, port delays, and depleted storage capacity.
“Our reserves were depleted in July 2024,” Mathanga said. “This has created a hand-to-mouth situation where imports are released immediately for consumption.”
She said the Ministry has been working closely with the Ministry of Finance, the Reserve Bank of Malawi, and commercial banks to unlock forex and secure financing for consistent fuel imports.
The government, she added, is also engaging neighbouring countries to improve access to seaports and strengthen logistical networks.
“We are working with Mozambique to secure land in Nacala for dedicated storage facilities and to use rail transport for fuel imports,” Mathanga said.
