By Chimwemwe Mangazi in Beira, Mozambique:
National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma) has said it is conducting studies to put fuel pipelines in Malawi from neighbouring countries.
Nocma spokesperson Raymond Likambale said studies are being conducted for the country to tap fuel from the Dar Es Salaam- Mbeya-Ndola pipeline between Tanzania and Zambia and the Beira- Masasa pipeline between Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
He added that a concept note has been submitted to the government to establish a new pipeline from Nacala port in Mozambique to Liwonde.
“We are able to ferry the product from Masasa in Zimbabwe, which is 609 kilometres to Matindi fuel reserves. All these will help reduce the time taken to bring petroleum products into the country,” Likambale said.
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He further said Nocma has procured 25 million litres of fuel from all its suppliers.
“There are more volumes that are coming into Malawi and with this quantity, we are assured that we will stabilise supply of fuel products on the market and in a few weeks begin building our reserves,” Likambale added.
Malawi has been facing fuel shortages in recent weeks, a development that culminated in panic buying of fuel products in the country.
Chairperson for the Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) Robert Mkezalamba, who was part of a team of civil society members who went on the tour, said the idea was welcome.
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“At the end of the day, what we want is to see that Malawians have stable supply of fuel and therefore any avenues that can help deal with the problem are welcome.
“It is essential for the authorities to focus on establishing our own pipeline, which means that we will be able to get the product quickly from the sea port,” Mkwezalamba said.
