Audio By Carbonatix
Opposition and activists groups in Malawi have called for fresh protests over a worsening fuel crisis and the rising cost of living.
Over the last few weeks hundreds of people have been spending hours and days at petrol stations as they look for supplies.
"I think it's getting a little bit out of hand. I sincerely hope that our government will find a way to resolve this because fuel is the kind of the driving force behind all the businesses that we're doing," Subira told the BBC as she waited in a petrol queue.
Taxi driver Joel Ngonga said he had been looking for fuel for 24 hours: "I’ve been searching for fuel maybe four times today. When I go to a fuel station, they say it’s finished."
Malawi’s energy regulator says a severe lack of foreign currency is to blame for the crisis. The country is facing one of its worst economic crises with rising inflation rates that have seen the cost of food skyrocket.
In May, the Malawian government devalued the local currency, the kwacha, by 25% to try and stabilise dwindling foreign currency reserves. But the move led to a sharp increase in inflation and the cost of food.
Anger about the economic situation in the country has boiled over into the streets with protesters demanding President Lazarus Chakwera resigns.
The government has asked for more time to resolve the crisis and says the president understands the frustration of people.
The southern African nation of 19 million has the fourth highest percentage of people living in extreme poverty in the world.
Latest Stories
-
Livestream: 2025 Year in Review
17 minutes -
Ghana’s crypto transactions hit $10bn by November – SEC
19 minutes -
SEC says VASP law will protect investors, ensure market integrity
20 minutes -
Mandatory Smart Port note will increase cost of doing business – Coalition of exporters, importers and traders
25 minutes -
Banda MP hands over police station, quarters to Banda Boase community
30 minutes -
I’m going to spend a lot more energy to make Kumasi clean – KMA boss
39 minutes -
We’re on a journey together to restore our party to its rightful place – Dr. Bawumia to NPP delegates
42 minutes -
Thieves use drill to steal €30m in German bank heist
52 minutes -
Protests spread across Iran for third day after currency hits record low
1 hour -
NRSA to enforce mandatory removal of broken-down vehicles from highways in 2026
2 hours -
Individuals on trial by the A-G linked to a potential NPP flagbearer – Rosemond Obeng alleges
2 hours -
President Mahama signs law regulating cryptocurrencies and virtual assets
2 hours -
‘Cyborg’ seen in viral video firing gun during musician Asake meet-up arrested
2 hours -
Media Coalition Against Galamsey calls for prosecutions, questions effectiveness of deportation policy
2 hours -
Tyson Fury pays tribute to Anthony Joshua’s friends killed in Nigeria car crash
3 hours
