Pemba city in Mozambique is experiencing a serious fuel shortage following the collapse of Mecuburi bridge due to Tropical Cyclone Jude. This has disrupted transport routes, causing fuel prices to rise and creating significant challenges for local residents and the economy. Amid growing frustration, citizens await resolution of the crisis.
Pemba, a city in Mozambique, is experiencing a severe fuel shortage due to the collapse of the Mecuburi bridge in Nampula province. This disaster followed heavy rains from Tropical Cyclone Jude and has disrupted the primary route between Pemba and Nampula, complicating the transport of essential goods, including fuel.
Long queues have formed at gas stations in Cabo Delgado’s capital as the citizens deal with increasing frustration over the lack of fuel. Drivers reported significant challenges in sourcing fuel and highlighted soaring prices in an interview on Zumbo FM. Gabriel Buchir voiced concerns about the ongoing shortage, stating they have lacked fuel at the pumps for three days, attributing the issue to the bridge collapse and calling for price reductions.
The informal market in fuel has seen rampant speculation, driving prices to inflate, particularly harming taxi drivers and those reliant on daily fuel supplies. Taxi driver Francisco André lamented the high fuel costs in comparison to Malawi, where prices significantly undercut Mozambique’s. He questioned why, despite having local fuel production, prices remain exorbitant, negatively affecting the Cabo Delgado population.
Ernesto Tomás, another driver, emphasized the logistic issues created by the bridge’s destruction, resulting in transportation challenges for fuel. With tanker trucks unable to operate, alternative sea transport has become necessary, which has led to longer transit times and higher costs for travel. Tomás detailed the unsustainable increases in transport fares caused by the crisis.
The ongoing fuel shortage is wreaking havoc on Pemba’s economy, impacting public transport, commerce, and residents’ mobility. As uncertainty looms, local residents are left waiting for a resolution to this pressing fuel crisis.
The city of Pemba in Mozambique faces a critical fuel shortage exacerbated by the collapse of the Mecuburi bridge due to severe weather. The disruption has led to increasing frustration and inflated prices for fuel, severely impacting not only transport but the broader economy. Without quick remediation of transport routes, the situation may worsen for residents dependent on this vital resource.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
