Amanze Chinonye
Fuel shortages in Malawi have entered a second week, forcing motorists to sleep in queues at petrol stations and leaving taxi and minibus operators unable to work as supplies dwindle, Prime Business Africa reports.
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The shortage has disrupted travel and business activity, pushed up transport fares and cut operators’ earnings, with no clear indication of when supplies will return to normal.
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Coxley Kamange, secretary-general of the Minibus Owners Association of Malawi, told local media outlet Malawi24 that the shortage was causing losses for operators and driving up transport costs. Some passengers have opted to walk rather than pay higher fares.
Malawi24 reported on Oct. 9 that the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority and the Ministry of Energy had yet to provide an update on when supplies would return to normal.
The government has attributed the latest shortage to a lack of foreign exchange needed to pay for fuel imports. Malawi relies heavily on imported petroleum products and has faced recurring supply disruptions linked to foreign-currency constraints, outstanding payments to suppliers and logistical difficulties. The war involving Iran has added pressure to global energy markets.
In January, Malawi raised petrol prices by nearly 42% to 4,965 kwacha ($2.90) per litre and diesel prices by about 41% to 4,945 kwacha per litre. The increases were intended to address supply difficulties and preserve scarce foreign-exchange reserves, but shortages have since returned.
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President Peter Mutharika’s government is seeking a new lending programme from the International Monetary Fund to help stabilise the economy and ease foreign-exchange constraints. An IMF staff visit in October made progress towards a policy package for a potential Extended Credit Facility arrangement, but no agreement had been reached as of Oct. 13.
Malawi’s previous $175 million IMF programme ended in May 2025 without completion of a review within 18 months of approval. The country received an initial disbursement of $35 million, according to Reuters.
The government has yet to announce when fuel supplies are expected to return to normal.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
