Mozambique’s diesel price jumped by 46 percent on Thursday, a steep increase that will force motorists, transport operators and businesses to pay nearly half more for fuel after authorities adjusted prices in response to rising global oil costs.
With the adjustment, petrol now costs 93.69 meticais (about $1.45) per litre, up from 83.57 meticais, while diesel has risen from 79.88 meticais to 116.25 meticais.
Paraffin increased from 66.86 to 97.56 meticais per litre and cooking gas rose slightly to 87.82 meticais per kilogramme.
The Energy Regulatory Authority (ARENE) said the revision reflects international market conditions that have worsened in recent months as the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global supply routes and push up crude prices.
According to ARENE, Mozambique has been receiving fuel shipments at higher international prices since early April, making the adjustment unavoidable.
The government had already warned that an increase was imminent due to supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict, through which roughly 80 percent of Mozambique’s fuel imports transit.
Fuel shortages have intensified in recent weeks, with long queues, temporary station closures and rationing of petrol and diesel reported across the country.
Transport availability has also declined as operators struggle to secure fuel.
JN/APA