LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Long queues for fuel continued to dominate the streets of Lilongwe City Centre on Sunday, 7 September 2025, as residents struggled to cope with an ongoing shortage affecting the capital city.
The Maravi Post visited Gemini House, one of the busiest fuel stations in the city, and observed taxi drivers, private car owners, and commercial vehicle operators waiting patiently in lines that stretched for several blocks.
Many motorists expressed frustration over the prolonged waiting times, with some spending up to three hours at the pumps before being able to refuel their vehicles. “I woke up at 5 a.m. just to get fuel before the lines became too long,” said Joseph Banda, a taxi driver plying the Lilongwe–Kaunda route. “Even then, I had to wait almost two hours before I could fill my tank.”
Taxi drivers, who depend heavily on fuel for their daily operations, highlighted the impact of these shortages on their earnings. “Every hour spent waiting in line is an hour we cannot transport passengers,” said Mercy Chirwa, another taxi driver. “This affects our income and the mobility of residents across the city.”
A day in the life of a taxi driver
Joseph Banda’s day begins long before dawn. By 4:30 a.m., he is already up, preparing his taxi for a full day of passenger pickups. On Sunday, he left home at 5:00 a.m., hoping to get fuel before the station became crowded. By 6:30 a.m., he joined a queue at Gemini House that already stretched for nearly half a kilometre.
“This waiting is exhausting, but I have no choice,” Banda explains. “If I don’t get fuel early, I won’t be able to pick up passengers, and I lose the money I depend on to feed my family.”
By the time he refueled, Banda had already lost two hours of potential income. After a brief stop for breakfast, he began ferrying passengers across the city, each ride a small recovery from the lost morning hours. “It’s a constant struggle,” he admits. “Fuel shortages make it hard to plan the day, and sometimes passengers get frustrated because of delays.”
Private car owners also complained about the inconvenience. “I had to postpone my trip to the supermarket because I couldn’t get fuel on time,” said Peter Kamoto, a Lilongwe resident. “This situation is becoming stressful, especially for those who need to commute daily.”
Fuel attendants at Gemini House reported that the shortage was largely due to delayed deliveries combined with higher-than-usual demand following the weekend. “We are doing our best to serve everyone, but the supply just isn’t keeping up with demand,” explained one attendant, who preferred to remain anonymous.
Local business owners also expressed concern over the impact of fuel shortages on their operations. “We rely on fuel to transport goods from the warehouses to our shops,” said Fatima Sule, a grocery store owner in Lilongwe. “If this continues, we may experience delays in deliveries, which could affect our customers and our revenue.”
Residents are worried that the scarcity could disrupt the transportation of essential commodities, including food and medical supplies, across the city and beyond. “Fuel is not just for cars,” noted one local teacher. “It is crucial for ambulances, school transport, and delivery trucks. Shortages like this affect the entire community.”
The long queues also created traffic congestion in the city centre, compounding the daily challenges faced by commuters and pedestrians. Vehicles lined up along major roads, causing slow movement and occasional disputes between impatient drivers.
Government authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the causes of the fuel shortage or the expected timeline for restoring normal supply levels. However, observers say that prolonged shortages in the capital could have wider economic implications, including slowing down business activities and increasing transport costs for residents.
Urban analysts warn that repeated fuel shortages may also impact investor confidence and hinder economic growth in Malawi’s largest city. “Fuel availability is a critical part of urban mobility and business operations,” said Dr. Victor Tembo, an economist. “Consistent supply is vital for the city’s economic stability and overall productivity.”
In conclusion, the long queues at Gemini House on Sunday, 7 September, reflect an ongoing challenge for Lilongwe residents, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures by fuel suppliers and government authorities.
For taxi drivers like Joseph Banda and small business owners like Fatima Sule, the shortage is not just an inconvenience — it is a daily struggle with direct impacts on livelihoods, mobility, and the functioning of the city.
Ensuring reliable and timely access to fuel is essential not only for the convenience of residents but also for the stability of Malawi’s urban economy and daily life.
