Fuel scarcity cripples daily life in Ségou
For nearly a year, the central Malian city of Ségou has struggled with a severe fuel shortage, pushing residents and businesses to the brink. The crisis has disrupted transportation, inflated black market prices, and left gas stations empty within hours of replenishment.
The situation traces back to September 2025, when supply convoys—escorted by Malian Armed Forces (FAMa)—began arriving only two to three times monthly. These rare deliveries aim to restock industrial producers and Énergie du Mali (EDM), the national electricity supplier, leaving little for local gas stations to distribute.
Insufficient distribution fuels economic slowdown
Each convoy delivers over a dozen fuel tankers to Ségou, but most fuel is diverted to factories and power plants. Only three to four tankers trickle down to public stations, which exhaust their reserves in under 48 hours. Residents report recurring stockouts and demand urgent solutions to restore regular supply.
« The lack of fuel is suffocating our economy, » said a local merchant. « Without consistent deliveries, we can’t even power generators for our shops. »
Black market thrives amid shortages
As public stations run dry, informal sellers dominate the market. In Ségou’s neighborhoods, gasoline prices soar to 2,000–5,000 West African CFA francs per liter—double or triple the official rate. Residents suspect profiteers exploit the crisis, selling smuggled fuel with impunity.
« How can prices jump overnight while officials claim there’s no shortage? » questioned a commuter waiting for a tricycle. « The black market is brazen, and no one stops it. »
Transportation chaos worsens daily struggles
The fuel scarcity has ground public transit to a halt. Shared tricycles, known locally as katakatani, now charge up to 200 CFA francs per ride—up from 100—placing an extra burden on students, teachers, and workers. Long queues at stations and erratic schedules have made commutes unpredictable.
Meanwhile, the FAMa has intensified roadblocks to intercept fuel smugglers, but the measures have done little to curb the crisis. Residents demand sustainable solutions to prevent further economic collapse in Ségou.