Lilongwe, MALAWI – State Pesident Professor Peter Mutharika has assured Malawians that his government will address the country’s fuel supply and electricity challenges, urging citizens to remain patient.
Mutharika was speaking on Saturday at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe upon his return from a private trip to South Africa, which began on October 6, 2026.
On fuel, the President insisted that Malawi had no shortage of the commodity, attributing the supply disruptions to logistical challenges in transporting fuel from neighbouring countries.
He said fuel was available at ports in Mozambique and Tanzania, including Nacala, Beira, Tanga and Dar es Salaam, but getting it into Malawi remained a challenge.
“Now, I know there have been problems about fuel. We’ll take care of those. The problems are really objective conditions beyond our control. It’s a question of transporting the fuel. The fuel is there. We have it in all the ports in Tanzania, Nakala, Baira, and so forth, Tanga, Daslam.
“But it’s logistics, getting them to Malawi. That is the problem, but we will do our best. But I want Malawians to be patient. The fuel is there. We have it in all the ports in Tanzania, Nacala, Beira and so forth, Tanga, Dar es Salaam. But it’s logistics, getting them to Malawi. That is the problem, but we will do our best,” he said.
Turning to electricity, Mutharika said government is repairing generation machines and expected power interruptions to end by December.
He also alleged that some blackouts were caused by deliberate actions, warning that those responsible would face consequences.
“We know some of the problems that are happening there. I won’t say it, but some of the problems are man-made problems. I have clear evidence of what’s going on, and those people will be taken to task.
“I can promise you that, because I know what exactly is happening, and some of these are man-made problems. However, we’re repairing the machines, and tell us by December I think all the blackouts should be finished, should be over,” he said.
Mutharika said he remained in control of government throughout his absence, maintaining regular contact with the Chief Secretary and cabinet ministers, sometimes speaking to the Chief Secretary up to ten times a day.
The President thanked Malawians for their messages during his absence and called for national unity.
