Fuel reserves held by the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) have reportedly run dry, forcing the company to adopt direct fuel allocations to filling stations in a bid to avert another supply crisis.
Under the arrangement, tankers bringing fuel into the country are being directed to offload their consignments directly at filling stations instead of first delivering them to NOCMA’s strategic fuel reserves.
A source familiar with the situation, who asked not to be named, said NOCMA’s reserves have been empty for some time.
The source said the direct allocation arrangement was introduced to ensure fuel continues reaching motorists while NOCMA works to replenish its reserves.
“NOCMA reserves have been dry for some time. For the company to start filling them up, it means we will have a period where filling stations will have no fuel. That is why the company opted for direct allocations in the meantime,” said the source.
The development comes amid continued concerns over fuel availability in the country, with motorists in some areas facing difficulties accessing fuel.
NOCMA Public Relations Officer Raymond Likambale declined to comment on the overall national fuel supply situation, referring questions to the sector regulator, the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA).
He said NOCMA was only one of several licensed fuel importers operating in Malawi.
“For a nationally consolidated picture of inflows, MERA would be the appropriate source, as the regulator receives reports from all licensed importers,” said Likambale.
He added that NOCMA was continuing efforts to secure and distribute fuel.
“As NOCMA, we continue to load from all ports, and are working tirelessly to make sure we deliver even better,” he said.
MERA Public Relations Officer Fitina Khonje said she would respond to questions on the country’s fuel supply situation.
However, by press time, she had not provided a response.
