Malawi’s foreign-currency shortage disrupts fuel imports

A severe shortage of foreign currency in Malawi has disrupted fuel imports and contributed to rising transport costs, the BBC reported on 23 October. Long queues have formed at petrol stations.

The shortages are among the economic difficulties facing President Peter Mutharika, who returned to power in October 2025. The BBC also reports unreliable electricity supplies and medicine shortages, adding to the problems people face in obtaining essential services and supplies.

Opposition asks how the government will respond

On Thursday, Malawi Congress Party campaign director Moses Kunkuyu called on the government to explain how it would address persistent fuel shortages, frequent blackouts and difficulties obtaining foreign currency. He specifically cited shortages of essential medicines in public hospitals.

Information Minister Shadric Namalomba said the government was addressing the problems, which he blamed on the previous administration. He also rejected opposition concerns about who was managing government affairs during Mutharika’s absence, saying the president remained in control.

The size of the national shortfalls and the timing of a resolution remain unclear. Kunkuyu asked Vice-President Jane Ansah to address the nation about the country’s mounting challenges.