The Government acknowledged on Tuesday, May 19, the existence of failures in the fuel distribution system and irregularities in the semi-collective transport sector, at a time when several regions of the country are facing supply difficulties and rising urban mobility costs, according to the Agência de Informação de Moçambique.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Council of Ministers session, government spokesperson Inocêncio Impissa confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the causes of the current fuel crisis, admitting the existence of irregular practices throughout the distribution chain.
According to the official, although ocean terminals currently hold reserves considered sufficient for several months, bottlenecks persist at different stages of the domestic supply circuit, raising concerns over control and oversight within the sector.
The Executive also revealed that some operators have already been subjected to disciplinary measures, including licence suspensions, due to alleged irregularities in the commercialization and distribution of fuel.
In the semi-collective transport sector, the Government acknowledged that a significant number of operators function outside the formal system, making it difficult to implement state support and monitoring mechanisms.
According to Impissa, the lack of formal registration among many transport operators limits organized access to public subsidies created to reduce the impact of rising fuel prices on citizens.
“The lack of formal registration of many transport operators limits organized access to public subsidies” created to reduce the impact of rising fuel prices on citizens
“The objective of the subsidies is not to directly benefit transport operators, but to protect citizens from the rising cost of living,” the spokesperson explained.
In response to this situation, some municipalities have begun processes to formalize informal operators in an attempt to strengthen sector oversight and ensure greater transparency in the allocation of public support.
The Government also warned about the risks associated with the improper handling of fuel and called for strict compliance with safety regulations, particularly amid the growing informal circulation of petroleum products.
During the briefing, Inocêncio Impissa also confirmed that authorities are investigating recent incidents of violence involving activists and citizens in different provinces of the country, reiterating that the Government condemns acts of vigilante justice and supports the accountability of those involved.
Regarding criticism surrounding the recent appointments of state inspectors-general, Impissa stated that the selections fall within the constitutional powers of the President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, who is responsible for appointing individuals considered suitable for public oversight functions.