Fuel shortages ease in Blantyre as petrol supply improves

By Pempho Nkhoma

Blantyre, May 5, Mana: Fuel shortages have eased across parts of Blantyre, with most filling stations now stocked with petrol and operating without queues, although diesel remains scarce.

A snap survey by the Malawi News Agency conducted on Tuesday established the improvement, following weeks of acute shortages that saw long lines of vehicles at service stations.

Southern Region Chairperson for the Malawi Coalition of Kabaza Stakeholders and Associations, Musa Magombo, said operators are now accessing petrol more easily after being heavily affected by the shortages.

“The recent fuel crisis has largely affected our business. Fortunately, for the past two days we have managed to get petrol without any problem,” he said.

Magombo added that fuel availability should remain a priority as it directly affects the cost of essential goods and services.
“Government needs to find a lasting solution to these challenges,” he said.

Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority Public Relations Officer Fitina Khonje confirmed the improvement in petrol supply, noting increased availability.

“Diesel supplies are still below demand, but we expect import volumes and distribution to improve over time,” she said.

When addressing people at Goliati Trading Centre in Thyolo on Saturday, President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika acknowledged ongoing fuel shortages and intermittent electricity supply, but assured Malawians that the situation is being addressed.