Mchinji Petrol Shortage Hits Day 6, Vendors Selling at K10,000 Per Litre
Published on May 9, 2025 at 4:15 PM by Edgar Naitha
In Mchinji, vendors are selling petrol at prices ranging from K9,000 to K10,000 per litre, taking advantage of a severe fuel shortage that has now entered its sixth day.
Petrol has been unavailable at service stations across the district, forcing motorists to turn to the black market despite the exorbitant prices.
The crisis is part of a wider fuel scarcity affecting several districts in Malawi, with drivers spending hours—or even entire nights—queuing at service stations in hopes of securing fuel.
Fitina Mbesa, a cross-border trader between Malawi and Zambia, says the shortage is taking a toll on her business. “It’s choking my finances. I can’t travel freely, and my goods are stuck,” she said.
Residents have expressed growing frustration as the prolonged shortage disrupts daily life and economic activities, with no immediate solution in sight.
Authorities are yet to give a clear explanation or timeline for when normal fuel supply will resume in the affected areas.
