Mali’s government moves to impose fuel rationing as al-Qaida-linked attacks cut off supplies

Mali’s military government has implemented fuel rationing measures as the country grapples with severe shortages caused by militant attacks on fuel supply routes. The announcement, made Thursday, aims to alleviate the long queues at gas stations that have become a common sight across the West African nation, particularly concerning as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches.

Since September, al-Qaida-affiliated militants have intensified attacks on fuel trucks, burning more than a hundred vehicles in violent assaults that have severely disrupted Mali’s fuel import and distribution networks. The landlocked country, heavily dependent on overland transportation for its fuel supplies, has seen deliveries plummet dramatically.

Mali’s fuel importers union reported that only about 2,000 tanker trucks have entered the country since January, a stark contrast to the pre-crisis level of approximately 6,000 trucks monthly. This significant reduction has created widespread fuel scarcity, prompting authorities to intervene.

Under the new rationing system, vehicles will be registered by license plates and subject to strict refueling schedules. Passenger cars will be permitted to refuel once every 72 hours, while motorcycles face a 48-hour waiting period between fill-ups. Officials have framed these measures as ensuring more equitable distribution among consumers, though they did not specify when the restrictions would take effect.

In a notable development, Russian troops from the Africa Corps—Moscow’s state-controlled paramilitary force operating in West Africa—have begun escorting fuel convoys throughout Mali to protect them from militant attacks. This military assistance reflects Mali’s deepening security ties with Russia since the military junta seized power in May 2021.

“We are committed to ending the fuel crisis as long as the military continues to escort our tanker trucks,” said Ibrahim Touré, who leads the petroleum importers union, acknowledging the critical role of these security escorts in maintaining fuel supplies.

Moussa Alassane Diallo, Mali’s trade and industry minister, told petroleum importers that the rationing would “give us complete control” over gas stations and allow authorities to “monitor the quantities of fuel sold,” suggesting a dual focus on distribution and potential black market prevention.

The shift toward Russian security assistance reflects a broader regional trend. Mali, along with neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, has pivoted away from traditional Western allies toward Russia for help in combating militant groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State. These armed groups have exploited political instability and weak governance across the Sahel region.

However, the rationing measures have sparked concern among many Malians, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on regular fuel access. Taxi drivers have been especially vocal about potential impacts on their earnings.

“These measures may work for private cars, but for us taxi drivers, it’s going to be difficult because we don’t earn enough money to fill up our taxis every time we go,” said Oumar Coulibaly, a taxi driver in Bamako, the capital city. “We do a lot of trips, and we need fuel.”

Security analysts suggest the junta’s decision likely reflects growing concern about public discontent over prolonged fuel shortages, which could potentially undermine the military government’s popular support.

Beverly Ochieng, a senior analyst with the consultancy Control Risks’ Global Risk Analysis team, offered a cautious outlook: “Insecurity on supply routes due to militant presence and activity will remain a challenge to the transportation of fuel in the coming weeks, and the stability of supplies will vary.”

The fuel crisis represents yet another challenge for Mali’s 20 million citizens, who have already endured years of political instability, armed conflict, and economic hardship. With militant groups maintaining their grip on border regions and supply routes, Mali’s energy security remains precarious despite the government’s latest intervention.