Fuel Suppliers In Malawi Prefer To Import From Tanzania Than Mozambique

By Jorge Joaquim

Fuel suppliers to Malawi are preferring to import fuel through the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, ignoring the Malawian government's demand that most fuel should be imported through Mozambican ports.

The government wants 50% of imports to come through Beira and 20% through Nacala, both in Mozambique, and only 30% through Dar es Salaam.

Suppliers claim that although Mozambique’s ports are relatively close, there are inefficiencies including congestion at Beira and limited storage capacity from state-owned fuel company Petromoc in Nacala.

They say the inefficiencies increase the cost of imports, and that importing from Tanzania, prices are predictable and lower, despite the longer distance.

A delegation from Malawi travelled to the city of Beira, where they held a meeting with Mozambican counterparts to seek priority for the transit of goods to Malawi and improve transport logistics for their suppliers.