Mozambique: Pemba hit by fuel shortage – Watch

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Mozambique: Pemba hit by fuel shortage – Watch

2:55 CAT | 19 Mar 2025

Screen grab: STV

The city of Pemba is facing a serious fuel shortage after the collapse of the Mecuburi bridge in Nampula province following heavy rains caused by Tropical Cyclone Jude.

The destruction of the bridge has cut the main road between Pemba and Nampula, forcing the use of alternative routes and making it difficult to transport essential goods, including fuel.

The impact of the shortage is already visible at gas stations in the Cabo Delgado provincial capital, where long queues and frustration dominate the scene. In an interview with Zumbo FM on Saturday (15-03), drivers reported difficulties in finding fuel and denounced the high prices.

One of the interviewees, Gabriel Buchir, expressed indignation that, for more than three days, the city of Pemba had been experiencing a fuel shortage and that circulation had been compromised.

“We have been without fuel at the pumps for three days now,” Buchir said. “They say the problem is the bridge on the Nampula road. Before, we were already used to the absurd prices of fuel, but now the situation has worsened. It would be good if they lowered it to at least 70 meticais, because before it was 75. Currently, in the neighbourhoods, fuel is being sold in small containers: half a litre costs 100 meticais – before it was 50. But since there is no fuel in the city, we have no choice.”

Price speculation in the informal market has significantly increased prices, penalizing taxi drivers and drivers who depend on the daily supply.

Taxi driver Francisco André compared the prices in Mozambique with those in the neighbouring country, Malawi, expressing his frustration and concern about the prices, arguing that the people of Mozambique are the ones who are being harmed.

“Fuel is very expensive! We are paying 95 meticais per litre, while in Malawi it costs 53 meticais,” André complains. “How is it possible that a country with fuel production basins has such high prices? This is detrimental to the entire population of Cabo Delgado and Mozambique. I can’t say that the country is doing well, because in fact, the country is expensive.”

Another driver, Ernesto Tomás, highlighted the difficulties caused by the collapse of the bridge and the challenges of transporting fuel to Pemba.

“The destruction of the bridge that connects Namialo to Napama has further aggravated the fuel shortage in Pemba. Tanker trucks cannot pass and the only alternative is sea transport. I am feeling the consequences directly: yesterday I managed to fill up, but today traffic is slow. To go from Pemba to Muxara I spend 200 meticais and, to Emulação, 100 meticais. It is unsustainable,” Tomás said.

The fuel supply crisis is affecting not only drivers, but the entire local economy, impacting public transport, commerce and the population’s mobility. In the meantime, uncertainty remains, with Pemba residents resignedly awaiting some alleviation of the situation.

Source: Zumbo FM