Malawi, Zambia suspend fuel imports through Beira amid unrest

Malawi and Zambia have suspended fuel imports through the central Mozambican port of Beira due to violent protests and riots following allegations of election fraud during Mozambique’s general elections on October 9. The unrest has disrupted supply chains, forcing both countries to seek alternative routes.

Puma Energy Zambia, one of the major fuel importers, ordered its trucks in Mozambique to be parked in secure locations in early November, according to Mozambique’s independent daily *O País*. Similarly, Malawian fuel companies partially halted imports via Beira, citing safety concerns.

“The post-election disturbances have created significant risks. We are now importing fuel through Tanzania, despite the longer distance,” said Raymond Likambale, spokesperson for the Malawian National Petroleum Company, in comments to Radio Mozambique.

This shift has strained Malawi’s fuel supply, particularly in the southern city of Blantyre, which is heavily reliant on Beira. Likambale noted that efforts are being made to use the northern Mozambican port of Nacala, with a million liters of diesel currently en route from there. However, unrest has also affected Nacala’s rail corridor, with rioters setting fire to a goods train last week.

Under normal circumstances, Malawi imports 50% of its fuel via Beira, 20% through Nacala, and 30% via Tanzania, according to the Malawian Energy Regulatory Authority. The reliance on Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port, while necessary, is far from ideal due to the increased distance and logistical challenges.

“The disruption in Mozambique is having a ripple effect on fuel availability in Malawi, and we hope for a swift resolution to restore normalcy,” Likambale added.

The situation highlights the fragility of regional supply chains and the cascading effects of political instability, with both Zambia and Malawi bracing for potential fuel shortages as they navigate the fallout from Mozambique’s ongoing unrest.