Maputo – Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo Party has called on the government to take urgent steps to address possible fuel shortages amid global supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.
The call follows public concern over potential shortages after the recent US and Israeli aggression against Iran and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route. Although the Mozambican government last week assured citizens that the country faced no immediate risk of running out of liquid fuels, panic buying was recorded in Maputo and neighbouring Matola on Friday and Saturday.
Long queues formed at fuel stations in the capital as motorists rushed to fill their tanks. While the situation in Maputo has since stabilised, reports from other parts of the country paint a worrying picture. Independent broadcaster STV reported on Thursday that in Xai Xai, the capital of Gaza province, only two fuel stations still had fuel available. 
Meeting in Maputo on Wednesday, the Frelimo Political Commission adopted a firmer tone on the matter. In a statement read to the media by party spokesperson Pedro Guiliche, the Commission instructed the government “to adopt short and medium term mechanisms to confront the current fuel crisis, resulting from the conflict in the Middle East, the effects from which are being felt throughout the world”.
The Commission further directed the government “to ensure the availability of sufficient reserves of fuel to keep supplies stable, while monitoring the evolution of the Middle East conflict”.
As part of short term measures, the party called on authorities to guarantee the availability of foreign currency for the importation of fuel and other essential goods. It also advised that the Stabilisation Fund be used carefully to cushion economic shocks, particularly for vulnerable members of society.
The Commission urged continuous monitoring of fuel prices to prevent stock depletion and speculation, and recommended expanding national fuel storage capacity.
Although no official announcement on rationing has been made, Mozambique has previously resorted to such measures during periods of acute shortage. In the early 1980s, a fuel rationing system operated in Maputo and played a key role in maintaining essential transport services.
