Fuel shortages are tightening their grip on Malawi, with long queues forming at filling stations as businesses and motorists struggle to access diesel and petrol. The crisis comes as rising global oil prices and instability in the Middle East place growing pressure on supply chains and import costs across the region.

Transport operators warn that the shortages are already disrupting the movement of goods and threatening agricultural production during one of Malawi’s most critical farming seasons. The government now says it may sell part of its gold reserves to help maintain fuel supplies.

Our Economics Reporter, Innocent Semosa, has more.