Africa-Press – Malawi. National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma) has attributed the current fuel supply shortage to logistical problems, expressing hope that the situation will normalise in due course.
The current problem is persisting at a time the authorities recently indicated that the country had secured 50 million litres of fuel.
A vessel carrying 50 million litres of fuel, which was procured under a government-to-government arrangement, arrived in Tanga, Tanzania, on July 8.
Three weeks later, motorists continue to queue for fuel, especially petrol.
Energy Minister Ibrahim Matola said Nocma officials were better placed to shed light on what was happening as regards the distribution of fuel.
And, on its part, Nocma said fuel supply was affected by logistical challenges from Tanga to Malawi.
“The journey spans a considerable distance across international borders, requiring both time and coordination.
“Unlike shorter supply routes, this corridor involves a lengthy inland haulage component from the Tanzanian coast through Songwe and onward to key urban centres such as Lilongwe and Blantyre,” said Nocma spokesperson Raymond Likambale.
He also said, as of midday Monday, over 150 fuel tankers had crossed into Malawi via the Songwe border.
Likambale was quick to say despite facing petrol supply issues, the country has been receiving an unlimited supply of diesel.
“It is also critical to note that while attention has largely focused on petrol, we have continued to receive consistent fuel deliveries by rail through Nacala [in Mozambique].
“Unfortunately, these efforts have gone largely unnoticed,” Likambale said.
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