Mozambique: Some vandalized fuel pumps remain inoperative

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Mozambique: Some vandalized fuel pumps remain inoperative

12:54 CAT | 10 Mar 2025

File photo: O País

Around 400 workers at vandalized gas stations have had their contracts suspended, and 10 stations are still inoperative due to the damage caused. The Mozambique Fuel Retailers Association says reconstruction depends on improving the political environment in the country.

Broken glass scattered across the floor and destroyed equipment – not even convenience stores escaped destruction, all their stock looted. The trail of vandalism during the post- election protests remains patently visible at some gas stations, with facilities completely closed.

“The photographs shows gas stations that were completely vandalized and some that were partially vandalized. In the current situation, those that were completely vandalized have no way of returning to operations,” explained Nelson Mavimbe, president of the Association of Fuel Retailers of Mozambique (ARCOMOC).

During the violent protests, at least 30 gas stations were completely or partially destroyed, ten of which have yet to reopen. “The recovery process is very complex and, at this moment, it is difficult to guarantee the restoration of the damage that was created at the posts, because we have been witnessing the repercussions of the demonstrations, which are happening every day that passes,” he added.

Due to the closure of the pumps, contracts with workers were suspended, as explained by Nelson Mavimbe. “On average, a gas station has about 40 workers, so if we assume that about 10 stations were completely vandalized, we are saying that at least 400 employees had their contracts suspended.”

For now, there are no predictions for the resumption of activities, nor for reconstruction at the completely destroyed stations. “There is a risk here that the damage will be repaired and, the next day, the protesters will return to the same posts and start vandalizing again.

Stability needs to be re-established to allow for the damage to be repaired,” Mavimbe says.

The Fuel Retailers Association says it sees no advantages in the 10 billion meticais credit line recently announced by the Government. “We do not think these lines of financing are sustainable for those who have lost everything. In fact, it is not even starting from scratch, because the investment that is currently being made was the target of a request for bank financing,” Mavimbe concluded.

Until there is social and political stability, the managers of the completely vandalized gas stations remain in uncertain waters. When they will be back in business again, only time will tell.

Source: O País