Fuel shortages continue to grip several Mozambican provinces, with Nampula, its most populous region among the worst affected. The crisis has escalated in recent weeks, resulting in long queues at fuel stations, inflated prices in informal markets, and rising public frustration.
Residents report that most stations are dry, forcing people to queue from the early hours. “I’ve been here since 0400hrs and still haven’t bought any fuel. Most of us came around 0300hrs and no one has managed to fill up,” said Gildo Alberto, Taxi Driver.
Motorcycle taxi driver Mário Inácio added that the lack of fuel has also reduced demand for transport. “We’re barely making 100 meticais a day. There are no customers,” said Inacio.
With formal supplies dwindling, the black market has flourished. Petrol that should cost 85.82 meticais per litre is being sold for up to 300 meticais. Health worker Amade Bernardo admitted to reselling petrol to boost his income. “We buy at the pump for 90 meticais and sell it for 110 to 120,” said Bernardo.
Some citizens allege that stations prioritise government vehicles or those linked to state enterprises. However, Eco fuel station manager Miguel Amorim refuted the claims, stating that institutional contracts are honoured without favouritism.
On 29 April, Nampula Governor Eduardo Mariano Abdula promised the crisis would ease within a week, claiming supplies had arrived and only awaited distribution. But weeks later, little has changed.
Public frustration has sparked peaceful demonstrations.
On 10 May, the Koshukuro organisation marched in Nampula to demand answers. Its Executive Director, Gamito dos Santos, criticised the silence from officials, saying, “The government thinks we only have duties, never rights. We’re left in the dark during every crisis.”
