The much awaited strategic three fuel reserves the Malawi government has been constructing aimed at improving fuel security in the country is ready for commissioning in July 2015, the Maravi Post has learnt.
The strategic fuel reserves including Blantyre which has the capacity to store fuel of 25 million litters, Lilongwe will keep 25 million litres while Mzuzu has 10 million litres totaling to 60 million litres which can a country to have fuel for 60days.
With the loan worthy US$26 million from India government, the completion of the three strategic fuel reserves are expected to boost fuel security in the country with 60 million litres an addition to 15 million litres currently the nation keeps, Malawi will have 75 million litres for 75 day of fuel cover as the country requires one million litre a day.
Joseph Kalowekamo, Department of energy’s spokesperson in the ministry of Energy, Mine and Environment has confirmed the development to Maravi Post in an exclusive interview on Tuesday, May 26 saying fuel shortages in the country will be a thing of the past.
“Malawi’s three strategic fuel reserves namely Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu are ready for commissioning in July this year which will boost fuel security in the country as will be able to keep 75 million litres covering 75 days with a short fall of 15 million litres as the recommended fuel security cover for Malawi is 90 million litres for 90 days (three months).
“This is a positive development for the economic growth of the nation which relies much on fuel such as diesel, petrol and paraffin for manufacturing and production. What will remain after commissioning is to source foreign currency to purchase the fuel for storage. Therefore, the general public must be assured of almost fuel security cover in the country”, assures Kalowekamo.
Fuel shortages hit Malawi hard in 2010 and 2011during the Bingu wa Mutharika rule which resurfaced in 2012 under President Joyce leadership that both occasions put the nation at stand still in business transaction which prompted the Malawi government constructing the strategic fuel reserves to caution the burden.
