By Burnett Munthali

Lilongwe, Malawi – The city of Lilongwe is facing a severe fuel shortage as several petrol stations across the city have run out of petrol, leaving motorists in long, frustrating queues. One of the affected areas is Area 25, where the Petroda filling station has been hit hard by the crisis.

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Zodiak reporters, who visited several filling stations in the city, confirmed that many were completely out of petrol, causing a rush at the few stations still in operation. The crisis has led to scenes of vehicles queuing for hours in hopes of filling up their tanks before supplies run out.

A photo taken at the Petroda station in Area 25 shows a line of cars, some of which have been waiting since early morning. Motorists expressed their frustration with the situation, as many rely on their vehicles for daily activities, including business, school runs, and other essential errands.

“I’ve been here for three hours, and the fuel hasn’t arrived yet. This is a disaster for many of us who need to go to work,” said one driver, clearly disheartened by the prolonged wait.

Several other stations, including those in key areas like Old Town and Area 18, have also been reported as dry. The cause of the fuel shortage is unclear at the moment, though speculation points to potential supply chain disruptions, either locally or internationally.

Meanwhile, authorities are yet to release a formal statement on when the situation might be resolved, further fueling anxiety among the city’s residents. Some have already resorted to stocking up fuel in containers wherever it’s available, fearing the crisis may worsen in the coming days.

As the shortage persists, businesses, particularly those relying on transport, are being severely affected, and the ripple effects are being felt throughout the city.

Motorists and Lilongwe residents are hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis as the wait for petrol becomes increasingly desperate.