‘This petrol station is my home now’: Malawi’s fuel crisis forces desperate drivers to queue for days
Shortages caused by the country’s lack of hard currency have escalated into a national emergency, with drivers waiting for a fuel tanker that may never arrive
TL;DR
- Drivers in Malawi are experiencing prolonged fuel shortages, with some waiting for eight consecutive days and nights.
- Petrol stations have become makeshift villages where drivers form alliances to survive and guard their vehicles.
- The fuel crisis is attributed to Malawi's lack of hard currency, which makes it difficult to pay for fuel imports.
- The government is implementing measures like liquidating gold reserves and withdrawing non-essential state vehicles to manage the situation.
- Fuel attendants face threats and abuse from frustrated drivers due to the national shortage.
- Taxi drivers are forced to buy illicit fuel at inflated prices, increasing fares for customers.
- The crisis is impacting drivers' ability to earn a living and meet basic needs, with calls for stable supply chains.