In a heartfelt statement to the nation, Ibrahim Matola, Minister of Energy, has addressed the ongoing fuel supply challenges that have significantly disrupted daily life across the country. The Minister acknowledged the profound frustration and hardship faced by citizens, highlighting the essential role fuel plays in transportation, business operations, and industrial production.
Minister Matola empathized with Malawians, revealing that he shares in their sleepless nights while grappling with fuel shortages. “This situation has disrupted lives across our nation: parents struggling to transport children to school, businesses unable to operate at full capacity, and industries grappling with the impact on production and economic activities,” he stated.
In light of these challenges, Matola articulated the steps the government is taking to ameliorate the crisis, beginning with direct engagement with key stakeholders in the fuel supply chain. He disclosed that “multiple fuel vessels are currently being processed for offloading at our ports of entry” and that essential foreign exchange facilities have been secured for immediate fuel procurement. A 24/7 Crisis Response Technical Team has also been established to monitor and address supply chain disruptions.
The Minister further announced efforts to enhance a strengthened collaboration with neighboring countries to facilitate supply stability. “Our private sector partners have shown remarkable cooperation during this challenging time, and their support has been crucial in addressing this crisis,” he acknowledged.
Acknowledging the complexities involved in fuel logistics, Matola urged the public to refrain from panic buying, which he said only worsens the situation. He stressed the importance of maintaining normal buying patterns and encouraged citizens to report malpractices such as hoarding and price manipulation.
“Trust official updates and rely on government communications for accurate information,” he urged, calling for unity and patience from all Malawians as the government works diligently to stabilize fuel supply.
In closing, Matola reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis and implementing sustainable measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. “The road ahead is challenging, but we are taking deliberate steps not only to resolve the current situation but also to ensure a stable energy supply for generations to come,” he assured.
The Minister’s comprehensive address comes as the country grapples with mounting public concern over the ongoing fuel shortages, with citizens hopeful for quick and effective government interventions.
