Malawi has partially halted fuel imports from Mozambique’s Beira port due to post-election protests disrupting central regions of the neighboring country.
The suspension has intensified the fuel crisis in Malawi’s southern region, particularly in Blantyre, as the country shifts to sourcing fuel from Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port—a route significantly longer than Beira.
Malawi typically imports 50% of its fuel through Beira and 20% via Mozambique’s Nacala port.
Dar es Salaam accounts for the remaining 30%, according to the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority.
With violent protests ongoing in parts of central Mozambique, Malawi has had to increase reliance on Tanzanian imports, now sourcing approximately 80% of its fuel from Dar es Salaam.
The shift has exacerbated fuel shortages, with service stations struggling to meet demand.
The National Oil Company of Malawi, the Malawi Transporters Association, and the Malawi Retailers Association have all expressed concerns over the precarious situation, warning of continued instability if the disruptions persist.
Fuel shortages have already impacted economic activity in Malawi, with transport costs rising and businesses facing delays in goods delivery.
Authorities are exploring contingency plans to stabilize the supply chain as the crisis unfolds.
