Mozambique has confirmed a fuel shortage affecting major cities, with a government spokesperson warning that a price increase may be unavoidable as global supply pressures intensify.
Council of Ministers spokesperson Salim Valá said on Tuesday that the situation is linked to disruptions in international markets caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has tightened fuel availability worldwide.
Valá told journalists after the weekly Cabinet meeting that the government is monitoring the situation closely and will announce decisions “at the appropriate time.”
“At this moment, the only essential message is that we are dealing with the issue, we are looking at it very carefully,” he said.
Fuel markets across the world have been strained since the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, which has disrupted shipping routes, increased insurance costs and slowed deliveries.
Several SADC member states have responded by raising pump prices or adjusting subsidy mechanisms to cushion importers from rising global costs.
Mozambique has so far held off on price adjustments, but Valá indicated that this position may change if pressures persist.
“Several SADC countries have increased fuel prices. Mozambique has not increased fuel prices due to this situation but we are monitoring it.”
JN/APA