By MOZTIMES
Maputo (MOZTIMES) - Mozambican President Daniel Chapo on Wednesday defended the recent increase in fuel prices, blaming the rise on the impact of the United States’ war against Iran on global energy markets, while insisting that Mozambique still maintains some of the lowest fuel prices in Southern Africa.
Speaking at the start of his working visit to the central province of Tete, Chapo acknowledged growing public concern over the rising cost of living but argued that the government has been attempting to cushion the effects of the international crisis.
“We are going to speak about the war in the Middle East, which is affecting fuel prices across the world,” Chapo told residents gathered at Tete city’s Chingodzi Airport.
“The government has been adopting measures to minimize the effects of the crisis, similar to what happened during the Covid-19 pandemic” he said.
The remarks came a day after Mozambique increased fuel prices for the first time since the American attack on Iran, putting renewed pressure on transport costs and household expenses in a country already struggling with inflationary shocks and weak purchasing power.
Despite the increase, Chapo argued that fuel in Mozambique remains cheaper than in neighboring countries.
“Fuel prices in Mozambique continue to be the lowest in our region,” he said.
The president used the occasion to urge national unity and resilience in the face of economic pressures, warning against what he called “enemies of development, peace and stability.”
Mozambique imports most of its refined petroleum products, making domestic prices highly vulnerable to global oil market volatility and geopolitical tensions.
The remarks came a day after Mozambique raised fuel prices for the first time since the onset of the latest global shocks, reigniting pressure on transport fares and household expenses in a country where purchasing power remains fragile.
During a later rally in Mágoè district, Chapo said the conflict in oil-producing regions had created fuel shortages and disrupted international supply chains, affecting both importing and exporting nations.
“There is a fuel shortage throughout the world, not only in Mozambique,” the president said, noting that the country depends heavily on imported refined petroleum products, just as do its neighbours, including Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa.
According to Chapo, Mozambique initially managed to absorb part of the shock using fuel reserves stored at the ports of Maputo, Beira and Nacala, but the prolonged instability forced authorities to adjust domestic prices in order to maintain supply continuity. He also warned against speculative practices by some fuel operators allegedly withholding fuel while anticipating further price increases. (MT)
