Malawi is grappling with a deepening fuel crisis after violent protests in Tanzania blocked over 120 fuel tankers at the border, cutting off the country’s primary supply route. The disruption began in late October 2025, when post-election unrest erupted in Tanzania, particularly in Dar es Salaam and the southern regions near the Kasumulu Border. Protesters, angered by the disqualification of key opposition candidates, took to the streets, setting up roadblocks with burning tires and vandalizing customs infrastructure. These actions brought cross-border movement to a standstill, stranding fuel transporters and halting the flow of essential supplies into Malawi.
The impact has been swift and severe. The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) confirmed that by November 2, only 20 of the 120 fuel trucks had managed to cross into the country via the Songwe Border. This limited inflow has triggered widespread fuel shortages, with long queues forming at petrol stations across the nation. Motorists have reported waiting for hours, often in vain, as supplies dwindle. The shortage is not only affecting private transportation but is also threatening public services, agricultural operations, and industrial productivity, raising fears of a broader economic slowdown if the situation persists.
Truck drivers stranded at the border described scenes of chaos and uncertainty. Many reported being caught in the middle of violent demonstrations, with some fearing for their safety as communication lines broke down and the situation on the ground grew increasingly volatile. The blockade has underscored the vulnerability of landlocked countries like Malawi, which rely heavily on neighboring nations for access to critical imports such as fuel. With the ports of Dar es Salaam and Tanga serving as Malawi’s main fuel corridors, any disruption in Tanzania has immediate and far-reaching consequences.
In response, Malawian authorities are urgently exploring alternative routes and diplomatic channels to restore fuel flow and stabilize the domestic supply. However, the crisis has reignited calls for greater regional cooperation and the diversification of supply chains to reduce dependency on a single corridor. As the unrest in Tanzania continues, Malawi’s fuel situation remains precarious, with no clear resolution in sight. The unfolding crisis serves as a stark reminder of how political instability in one country can ripple across borders, disrupting lives and economies in profound ways.