In Malawi, activist and opposition groups have called for new demonstrations in response to a deteriorating fuel situation and growing living expenses.
Hundreds of people have been spending hours and days at gas stations in search of supplies over the past few weeks.
“I think it’s getting a little bit out of hand. I sincerely hope that our government will find a way to resolve this because fuel is the kind of the driving force behind all the businesses that we’re doing,” Subira told newsmen as she waited in a petrol queue.
Joel Ngonga, a taxi driver, claimed that he had been searching for petrol for 24 hours: “I think I’ve looked for fuel four times today. When I visit a gas station, they declare it to be finished.”
According to Malawi’s electricity authority, the issue is caused by a serious lack of foreign cash. With growing inflation rates that have driven up food prices, the nation is currently experiencing one of its greatest economic crises.
The Malawian government depreciated the kwacha by 25% in May in an effort to stabilise its declining foreign exchange reserves. However, the action
Protesters demanding President Lazarus Chakwera’s resignation have spilled over their frustration with the nation’s economic plight into the streets.
The government has requested additional time to address the fuel situation and claims that the president recognises the anger of the populace.
Meanwhile, officials from the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) say Wednesday evening’s national blackout was a result of vandalism on one of its towers in Blantyre.
Director of systems and market operations at the power utility company, Charles Kagona said the development has led to the loss of about 30 percent of its power supply.