Diesel Shortage Hits Bamako as Fuel Prioritized for Power Supply Amid Militant Attacks

Drivers in Bamako are facing a diesel shortage as most supplies are being directed to Energie du Mali to manage power outages during a heatwave. The shortage in Mali has also been worsened by attacks on fuel convoys by militants linked to Al-Qaeda, leading to long queues at fuel stations and disruption of public transport and construction activities in the capital.

Drivers in Bamako are currently struggling with a shortage of diesel fuel as priority supplies are being directed to the country’s national electricity company to help address persistent power outages. The oil companies’ association in Mali confirmed on Tuesday that the limited available diesel is being reserved mainly for electricity production as authorities attempt to stabilize the power supply.
Mali, a landlocked West African country, depends heavily on imported fuel that arrives through tanker trucks traveling across borders from neighboring countries. Because the country does not have direct access to seaports, road transport is the main way petroleum products are delivered. However, this supply chain has faced serious disruption in recent months due to attacks on fuel convoys by armed groups operating in parts of the country.
Since September, militants linked to Al-Qaeda have reportedly attempted to weaken the Malian economy by imposing what authorities describe as a fuel blockade. The group has repeatedly targeted trucks carrying fuel into the country, attacking tankers and blocking strategic roads that serve as key supply routes to Bamako and other major areas.
The blockade and attacks initially caused widespread shortages of fuel, but supplies improved somewhat in December after authorities and suppliers found ways to increase deliveries. This temporary improvement allowed many sectors of the economy to resume normal activities and reduced pressure on businesses and transportation services.
In recent days, however, the situation has worsened again as several fuel stations across Bamako have run out of diesel. The shortage has left many drivers unable to refuel their vehicles and has created long lines at the few stations that still have fuel available.
On Tuesday, large queues of vehicles were seen waiting at the remaining service stations in Bamako where diesel could still be purchased. Drivers lined up for hours in hopes of obtaining fuel, while some stations reportedly closed after running out of supply.
The diesel shortage has also had a serious impact on businesses that rely on heavy vehicles. The Sand Producers Association told AFP that trucks used for transporting sand and gravel for construction projects have already run out of diesel and are unable to continue operating. This has raised concerns that construction activities in the capital could slow down if the shortage continues.
Public transportation in the city has also been affected. According to reports from local media outlets, more than 100 vehicles used for public transport in Bamako were unable to operate on Monday because their operators could not find diesel. This has made commuting more difficult for many residents who depend on shared vehicles and minibuses to move around the city.
A member of the oil companies’ association explained that most of the available diesel is currently being allocated to Energie du Mali, the country’s national electricity provider. The company is facing heavy pressure to keep power plants running as demand for electricity rises, especially during a period of intense heat.
In Bamako and nearby communities, electricity supply has already been unstable in recent days, with many residents experiencing interruptions and reduced power availability. Authorities are therefore prioritizing fuel supplies for electricity generation in an effort to reduce outages and stabilize the national grid.
The security situation surrounding fuel transportation has further complicated the problem. At the end of January, a foreign human rights organization reported that militants operating in Mali had executed 10 long-distance truck drivers and two teenage apprentices near the border with Senegal. The victims were reportedly part of transport convoys bringing goods into Mali.
Such attacks have increased fear among transporters and fuel suppliers, making it more difficult to move fuel safely across the country. As a result, the combination of insecurity, supply disruptions, and increased demand for electricity generation has contributed to the ongoing diesel shortage affecting drivers and businesses in Bamako.