Fuel Shortage Crisis in Liwonde: Long Queues as Prices Surge

By Burnett Munthali

In Liwonde, residents are experiencing severe fuel shortages, with long queues forming at petrol stations as people scramble to buy fuel for their vehicles. The scarcity of fuel has led to widespread frustration, as motorists are forced to wait for hours in line, hoping to secure enough fuel to keep their vehicles running.

• Kenyan president apologies to Tanzania over deportation row
  Kenya’s President William Ruto has publicly apologised to Tanzania following days of tension between the neighbouring countries. Some Kenyans on…
• When presidents say “I’m Sorry”: A lesson in leadership and humility
  By Burnett Munthali Someone sent me a statement yesterday that I had issued on behalf of President Rupiah Banda back…
• Malawian youth, wake up – it’s time to reclaim your future!
  By Hon. Allan Ngumuya My fellow Malawians, especially the youth – you have just witnessed one of the most humiliating…
• Chakwera celebrates impactful teachers, invites Malawians to share their stories
  By Burnett Munthali President Lazarus Chakwera has once again taken to social media to express his admiration and appreciation for…
• Cool Drop crowned Malawi’s most preferred bottled water brand at 2025 Consumer Choice Awards
  By Burnett Munthali Cool Drop, a product of Zamm Investments, has been named the most preferred purified bottled water brand…
• CRFA Chipiku Premier league launched
  By KONDWANI KANDIADO The Central Region Football Association in collaboration with Chipiku stores on Saturday kicked off the Chipiku Premier…
• Kalindo sounds alarm: “Chakwera kneels before citizens while selling Malawi for cash handouts
  By Burnett Munthali Bon Kalindo, a vocal political activist and former Member of Parliament, has released a powerful audio warning…
• Blantyre turns blue as Wanderers edge Bullets in a tight clash
  At exactly 2:00 PM afternoon of 31st May 2025, Kamuzu Stadium erupted with energy as the most anticipated fixture in…

One of the frustrated customers, Chikondi Idrisa, expressed his concerns and called on fuel companies to raise prices rather than allow the commodity to become scarce. “It would be better if the prices were adjusted upwards so that the fuel is readily available, instead of us waiting in these long lines with no guarantee that we will get any,” Idrisa said.

The fuel shortage has had a ripple effect on various sectors, with business operators who rely on vehicles being the hardest hit. Many have been forced to hike their transportation fares in response to the crisis. For example, some transporters operating the route between Balaka and Liwonde have increased their fares from K2000 to K2500 due to the rising costs associated with fuel scarcity.

This situation is causing widespread inconvenience to residents and travelers alike, as transportation costs continue to rise in response to the fluctuating fuel supply. As of now, there is no clear indication of when the situation will normalize, leaving many in Liwonde and surrounding areas struggling to cope with the impact of the fuel shortage.

The government and fuel suppliers are being urged to address the crisis quickly to prevent further disruptions to businesses and daily life in the region.