The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has condemned the silence and inaction of the Malawi government over the fuel crisis that has gripped the country.

Development Diaries reports that citizens have reported fuel shortages in major cities, including Blantyre, Mzuzu, and Zomba.

Since mid-2022, Malawi has often experienced fuel shortages, as earlier shortages were reportedly caused by a lack of foreign currency that prevented the government from importing petrol.

HRDC complained of the Malawi government’s lack of effort and explanation regarding the crisis while urging it to treat the fuel issue as a national crisis.

According to the organisation, the government’s inaction and silence on the matter has left the nation questioning whether any executive or political leadership is in place to address this pressing concern.

It is understood that President Lazarus Chakwera and his cabinet have opted to remain mute amid the lengthy fuel lines, which has alarmed well-meaning Malawians.

According to a report by Voice of America (VOA), operators of public transport vehicles have had to triple their fares as a result of fuel scarcity.

The operators claim that despite the price increase, they are still losing money since they spend a day or two standing in fuel queues before conducting any business.

The fuel shortage is a major setback because many individuals and their families depend on minibuses.

Development Diaries calls on President Chakwera to take decisive action and begin implementing measures to resolve the fuel crisis in order to ease the hardship on Malawians.

Photo source: BBC