Maputo, May 5, 2026 (Lusa) – Mozambique's government is considering subsidising public passenger transport to prevent the fuel crisis from affecting the public, authorities announced on Tuesday, acknowledging that a lack of foreign currency is limiting fuel imports.
"The government intends to use financial stabilisation mechanisms such as subsidies or compensation for operators to avoid large price increases for families. This approach ensures that the most vulnerable maintain access to transport and essential products without suffering a significant immediate impact from this supply crisis," Economy Minister Basílio Muhate told parliament.
For several weeks, Mozambique has faced fuel supply difficulties, with petrol stations closed nationwide, widespread queues, and limits on diesel and petrol purchases. The crisis, triggered by the conflict in the Middle East, has also reduced the availability of transport.
Given this scenario, the government told MPs on Tuesday that it would activate the 2025-2029 economic recovery plan to shield the economy and the public from further impacts.
The government intends to "improve the management of strategic fuel stocks, increase storage capacity, and diversify suppliers to minimise the risks of shortages, speculation, and market disruption, ensuring a regular and resilient supply."
He said that the government would take these measures because rising fuel prices drive inflation and reduce household purchasing power, a scenario the government seeks to avoid.
Muhate acknowledged that Maputo is experiencing an "abnormal" number of drivers at filling stations, particularly regarding diesel shortages. He said that sales have nearly doubled, while Mozambique's lower prices compared to the region have further incentivised consumption.
The informal sale of fuel has become a major opportunity, to the extent that people carrying five to 20-litre jerry cans are visible everywhere at filling stations," Muhate explained. "For example, stations that used to sell 40,000 litres per week are now selling the same amount in less than 24 hours." He said that distribution logistics are not prepared for daily restocking and that limited foreign currency availability restricts imports to shorter periods, despite ships currently offloading.
The government has increased inspections to stop hoarding and prohibited the re-export of domestic fuel, he said, referring to measures to curb the crisis.
In parliament, Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Levi warned that the government would proceed with gradual fuel price adjustments due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. She urged the public not to spread messages that cause panic.
"As a net importer of fuel and considering this international situation, Mozambique must inevitably make gradual price adjustments," she said.
The government reminded citizens that global prices would continue to rise, affecting the country. To mitigate the economic impact of these adjustments, the government will implement a set of multi-sectoral measures. "We reiterate our call for everyone to continue monitoring the situation calmly and to refrain from spreading messages that could cause panic," she said.
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