Mali facing fuel supply uncertainty

The Malian government is attempting to maintain the country’s hydrocarbon supply in a climate marked by insecurity and economic disruption.

The fuel issue has now emerged as a major strategic challenge for the state.

Meeting on Friday, October 3, 2025, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, the Interministerial Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management (CIGCC) placed the country’s regular fuel supply at the heart of its discussions.

Four main directions were defined: securing convoys, coordinating actions with transporters, protecting critical infrastructure, and strengthening public communication about the situation.

Mali imports more than 95 percent of its fuel estimated at around 1.3 million cubic metres, making the country highly dependent on external sources. However, this supply chain is currently weakened by repeated attacks by armed groups, particularly the JNIM, against tanker trucks on major highways.

In September 2025, several dozen vehicles were destroyed on the Kayes-Bamako route, resulting in human losses and a significant slowdown in logistics. These attacks forced the authorities to escort convoys and reorganize delivery routes.

At the same time, the General Directorate of Commerce, Consumer Affairs, and Competition closed several gas stations for non-compliance with price caps, set at around 725 CFA francs per liter of diesel and 775 CFA francs for premium gasoline.

These regulatory measures have contributed to reducing the number of active distribution points. In major cities, particularly Bamako, the remaining gas stations are now crowded, causing long queues, while others, out of stock, have temporarily ceased operations.

This situation has repercussions on other key sectors. Approximately 55 percent of Mali’s electricity production comes from hydrocarbon-fueled thermal power plants. The slowdown in deliveries therefore increases the risk of prolonged power outages, particularly in urban centers.

The butane gas supply chain is also exposed to security threats, raising fears of tensions on the domestic market and a possible price increase.

Faced with these challenges, the government has initiated discussions with oil sector operators to adapt security measures, ensure the continuity of deliveries, and limit the economic repercussions. The issue now extends beyond fuel supply alone, as it affects the country’s energy stability and the resilience of its economy in a difficult security context.

MD/ac/Sf/fss/as/APA