Motorists in Mozambique’s capital Maputo formed long queues on Wednesday as fuel stations across the city shut down for lack of petrol and diesel, leaving only a handful of outlets still operating and triggering widespread congestion.
Some drivers, already running on empty, were seen pushing their vehicles through the streets in search of fuel.
At some of the few stations that still had fuel, purchases were limited to a maximum amount of 1,000 meticais (about $15.50) as scores of cars lined up around the block.
Many stations had closed entirely, with staff sitting idle outside empty pumps.
A mobile app created by residents to track which stations still had fuel quickly went viral as drivers scrambled for information.
The shortages come as global oil markets remain under pressure from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted shipping routes, increased insurance costs and slowed deliveries worldwide.
The ripple effects have been felt across several African economies where fuel import dependence leaves countries vulnerable to supply shocks.
Mozambique has so far avoided raising pump prices unlike many SADC member states that have adjusted fuel costs to cushion importers from rising international prices.
But the deepening shortages in Maputo signal mounting strain on the country’s supply chain.
Authorities have not yet announced when normal supply will resume but pressure is growing for the government to intervene as queues lengthen and more stations run dry.
JN/APA