Mozambique has assured the public that fuel remains available nationwide, despite the need to adjust supply routes due to the Middle East conflict.
Speaking in Maputo on Rádio Moçambique’s Café da Manhã programme, IMOPETRO operations director Abida Patel said the country’s four ocean terminals continue to receive fuel and that there is no immediate threat of shortages. Her remarks follow disruptions caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which previously handled much of Mozambique’s fuel imports.
Patel stated that Mozambique has temporarily stopped sourcing fuel from the Middle East and is now obtaining supplies from other markets, particularly India.
“Most of the fuel came from the Middle East, but due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, supply is now coming from other markets, such as India,” she said.
While logistics have changed, Patel emphasized that deliveries continue and fuel remains available at storage facilities. “Ships are still arriving, and there is fuel available at the terminals,” she said.
She also advised consumers not to panic or purchase excess fuel, noting that hoarding could place unnecessary strain on filling stations. “There is no reason for panic. Citizens should refuel normally, without the need for hoarding,” she said.
Patel acknowledged that new supply routes have made transport more complex and slower, with journeys that once took about 15 days now requiring up to 10 additional days. Despite these delays, she maintained that the domestic supply should remain stable. “There may be some delays in the arrival of ships, but this will not affect fuel availability,” she said.
The greater challenge now concerns costs. Patel noted that the new import pattern is increasing the fuel bill and placing additional financial pressure on supply chain companies. “The import bill is increasing, and companies need greater liquidity to cope with these costs,” she said.
IMOPETRO’s message is clear: while the international crisis has made fuel imports more expensive and complex, the situation remains manageable. Currently, Mozambique’s primary concern is the rising cost of maintaining supply, not availability.
