Government put Short Term measures to curb fuel shortages

Malawi government has announced that consignment of 26 million litres of fuel is expected to arrive in the country next week bought using a US$60 million borrowed from BADEA of Sudan.

Addressing the media on Saturday, energy minister Ibrahim Matola said this is a short term solution aimed at reducing long vehicle queues in most filling stations across the country.

Adding to what Matola said, Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority Chief Executive Officer, Henry Kachaje, said for the past months motorists have been using fuel from the fuel reserves hence creating the current pressure on the market.

“The fuel shortage has become a big challenge in Malawi just like President Lazarus Chakwera said, this problem has come due to shortage of forex,” Kachaje said.

In a long term plan, Kachaje said Malawi needs about US$600 million and sustain the availability of forex which should be guaranteed while conceding that the situation is beyond the authority’s financial control.

Kachaje has since assured the general public that if the funds are provided then the current fuel shortage will be dealt with of which it is derailing the country’s economic growth.

Responding to another question, government spokesperson Gospel Kazako who accompanied the energy minister justified the need for President Lazarus Chakwera to travel to Sharma El Sheikh in Egypt for a COP27 heads of government summit amidst the country going through forex and fuel shortages.

Chakwera left the country on Saturday morning and through the summit he is expected to meet various leaders whom he will discuss with matters of economic growth for the benefit of the country.