Fuel shortages push Malawians into endless queues and rising costs

Africanews - News
2 followers
Oct 30, 2026
Fuel shortages and soaring petrol prices are disrupting daily life
and businesses under severe pressure in Malawi.
In the capital, Lilongwe,
drivers and motorcycle taxi operators are spending hours
and sometimes days in line as they wait for scarce supplies.
Malawi has the highest petrol prices in Africa.
adding to years of fuel shortages and worsening economic pressure
in a country already struggling with foreign currency shortages.
Big trees, big roots; big roots, big shade.
We are spending nights at different gas stations in search of fuel.
because it is usually delivered at night.
So we leave our families alone at home to spend
A night at a gas station waiting for fuel.
And sometimes, by the time it arrives, it's already sold out before we can even purchase it.
As you can see, it is nighttime.
And here I am, waiting in line for fuel.
This means that my household chores have been suspended.
I went to pick up my kids from school.
And I have been here with them since 4 p.m.
It's 8 p.m. and I haven't bought the fuel yet.
Gasoline now costs about $3.24 per liter as the war
In the Middle East drives up fuel prices.
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Energy Minister John Matanga said on Monday
that more than 23 million liters of petrol and diesel had been procured
with nearly half in transit and some already reaching filling stations.
