Vehicles, motorcycles line up at Bangula Filling Station in Nsanje as fuel tanker approaches

NSANJE, Malawi - Drivers and motorcycle operators lined up at the Bangula Filling Station in Nsanje in anticipation of the arrival of a fuel tanker to deliver much-needed fuel, writes Cornelius Lupenga.

The scarcity of fuel in the area has led to black market fuel sales and a subsequent hike in fares.

Minibus driver Felix Dinyero shared his experience of having to rely on black market fuel for the past few days, which has been expensive.

He said, "The scarcity of fuel resulted in hiking the fares as we too had no alternative but to do so."

Dan Malinga, a motorcycle operator, even had to stop using his motorcycle because he could not afford to purchase fuel from the black market, where prices were higher than at the filling station.

"I could not afford to purchase fuel for the black market, saying they are charging higher prices than at the filling station," he said.

According to a pump attendant who spoke on the condition of anonymity, a fuel tanker was on its way to the Bangula Filling Station, which explains the long line of vehicles and motorcycles.

He said, "The tanker is yet to arrive, but scores of vehicles and motorcycles are lined up waiting for the fuel."

The scarcity of fuel in Nsanje has caused inconvenience and hardship for drivers and motorcycle operators, and they hope that the delivery of the fuel tanker will alleviate some of their difficulties.

"We are hoping that once the tanker arrives, we will be able to get fuel at a fair price and resume our normal operations," said Dinyero.