By Burnett Munthali
This evening, Total Filling Station near the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) in Blantyre was a scene of long queues as vehicles and motorbikes lined up in a desperate attempt to refuel. The growing fuel crisis in Malawi is becoming increasingly evident, with shortages causing frustration and uncertainty among motorists.
Eyewitnesses described the situation as chaotic, with lines of vehicles stretching far beyond the station premises. Motorists expressed frustration at spending hours waiting for fuel, with some even reporting that they had been in line since morning, only to find the pumps dry by the time they reached the front.
“It’s exhausting. We are forced to abandon our daily routines just to queue for fuel. This crisis is making life very difficult,” said one motorist.
Motorbike taxi operators (commonly known as kabaza) were also visibly affected, with many expressing fears about losing their daily income due to the scarcity of fuel.
The situation at this station is a reflection of a larger, nationwide problem. Malawi has been grappling with fuel shortages for weeks, with authorities citing logistical challenges and foreign exchange shortages as the root causes.
The crisis has disrupted businesses, transportation, and essential services, leading to widespread calls for urgent intervention by the government.
The fuel crisis is having a ripple effect on the economy. Transportation costs are rising, and businesses that rely on fuel for operations are struggling to stay afloat. Public transport is also becoming unreliable, leaving commuters stranded.
Economists warn that if the situation is not addressed soon, it could worsen inflation and further strain the already fragile economy.
While the government has acknowledged the crisis, solutions remain unclear. The Ministry of Energy recently announced efforts to secure additional fuel supplies, but many Malawians are growing impatient with the lack of tangible results.
As the fuel crisis continues, the long queues at filling stations like the one near MUBAS serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Malawi. Motorists and businesses are calling on authorities to act swiftly to resolve the situation before it spirals further out of control.
For now, patience and resilience remain the only options for those affected by this growing crisis.
 in Blantyre was a scene of long queues as vehicles and motorbikes…){kind=link}