Fuel shortages cripple Segou’s economy and daily life

For nearly a year, the city of Ségou in central Mali has been grappling with an acute fuel shortage that is crippling both daily life and economic activity. What began as intermittent disruptions has now escalated into a chronic crisis, leaving residents and businesses in limbo.

supply struggles amid ongoing security threats

Ségou, located over 200 kilometers northeast of Bamako, relies on fuel convoys protected by the Malian Armed Forces. These deliveries occur only two or three times monthly due to persistent security risks along key transport routes. While each shipment typically includes more than ten fuel tankers, most supplies are diverted to industrial producers and the national power utility, Énergie du Mali.

Only a fraction of each delivery—roughly three or four tankers—trickles down to local gas stations, which are often depleted within 48 hours. Residents report repeated stockouts and demand more consistent refueling schedules to ease the burden.

black market thrives in the fuel vacuum

As shortages persist, informal sellers step in to meet demand. In several neighborhoods, the price of gasoline on the black market ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 West African CFA francs per liter—far exceeding official rates. Residents suspect the fuel flooding the black market originates from diverted supplies, as profiteers exploit the crisis with little oversight.

transportation costs surge as economy slows

The ripple effects of the fuel shortage extend across Ségou. Public transit, particularly katakatani tricycles, has seen fares double from 100 to 200 CFA francs, straining commuters—including students, teachers, and workers. Reduced mobility has stifled commercial activity, with fewer customers visiting markets and businesses operating at reduced capacity.

In response, the Malian Armed Forces have intensified patrols and roadblocks to intercept unauthorized fuel transport. Yet, locals continue to call for a sustainable resolution to a crisis that shows no signs of abating.