Mali’s fuel shortage has begun to ease significantly, thanks to the import of over 54 million liters of petroleum products in just ten days. This substantial increase in supply is a crucial step towards ending the crisis that has severely impacted the economy and daily life for weeks. According to authorities, 1,192 tanker trucks were mobilized in January to resupply the country, with 875 trucks delivering over 40 million liters between January 12-18, and a further 317 trucks bringing in an additional 14.4 million liters shortly after.
The increased imports have led to a notable rise in service station refueling rates, reaching 53.9% during the first wave. As a result, the long queues that had become a common sight in the capital, Bamako, and other major urban centers have started to dissipate. Despite this improvement, officials and industry professionals acknowledge that structural challenges persist. A recent coordination meeting between the government and petroleum groups highlighted ongoing issues related to rationing, logistics, and the need to establish a commercial security stockpile to prevent future shocks.
With the high-consumption period of Ramadan approaching, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Moussa Alassane Diallo, has emphasized the strategic priority of creating fuel reserves. This measure is seen as essential for transitioning from crisis management to ensuring long-term market stability for Mali’s economy and citizens. The creation of fuel reserves will help to mitigate the risk of future shortages and ensure a stable supply of petroleum products.
The fuel shortage in Mali has had a significant impact on the country’s economy and daily life, with many businesses and individuals struggling to access fuel. The government’s efforts to address the crisis have been ongoing, with a focus on increasing imports and improving logistics. The recent surge in supply is a positive step towards resolving the crisis, but the underlying issues must be addressed to prevent similar shortages in the future. As the situation continues to evolve, the government and industry professionals will need to work together to ensure a stable and reliable supply of fuel for the country.
