Fuel Crisis Paralyzes Bamako as Shortages Deepen Nationwide

Bamako - October 28, 2025 - Mali’s capital has been brought to a standstill as a severe fuel shortage grips the country, halting transportation and slowing nearly all economic activity. Since October 22, daily life in Bamako and other major cities has been paralyzed, with residents struggling to find fuel and move around.

Long queues have formed at gas stations across the capital, where frustrated motorists wait for hours - often in vain. Although most stations have run dry, they remain crowded day and night as desperate citizens hope for new deliveries.

To prevent violence amid growing tensions, the government has deployed the national police to service stations. However, officers have struggled to maintain order as tempers flare. In several cases, station managers and attendants have been arrested for refusing to sell fuel or for illegally selling it to customers with jerry cans.

Earlier this week, authorities banned the sale of fuel to anyone unable to present their vehicle and required those purchasing fuel in containers to obtain special permits from local authorities.

Despite these measures, tensions continue to rise. “If the situation continues like this, there will surely be a popular uprising,” said one Bamako resident, reflecting widespread frustration. “The shortage has gone on too long, and people are at their wits’ end.”

For over a month, entire regions have been cut off, with officials blaming terrorist groups for disrupting fuel convoys entering the country. The government’s efforts to restore supply have so far had little visible impact, leaving millions of Malians facing an increasingly desperate situation.