• Mozambique plans to expand public transport to mitigate potential fuel supply disruptions.

• About 80% of fuel imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz, exposing the country to external shocks.

• The country imported $2.44 billion of refined petroleum products in 2024 and holds stocks until early May 2026.

The Mozambican government now promotes public transport to anticipate possible fuel disruptions. President Daniel Chapo warned on Monday, April 13, during the opening of the National Council session of the Mozambican Youth Organization in Maputo, that a crisis could occur “at any moment.”

The government plans to strengthen public transport to prepare for disruptions and limit their impact on population mobility. Authorities will deploy vehicles across several municipalities in the central and northern regions, and they will extend the rollout to the south starting in May.

This policy aims to reduce reliance on private vehicles and contain national fuel consumption in the event of supply tensions. The move comes amid rising risks in international markets, particularly linked to the potential consequences of the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

In early April 2026, the National Directorate of Hydrocarbons and Fuels reported that import prices had started to increase. The agency also highlighted persistent uncertainty regarding global price trends in the coming weeks.

Structural Exposure to External Shocks

Mozambique depends almost entirely on imports to meet its petroleum product needs. According to international trade data published in March 2026 by the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), based on United Nations Comtrade statistics, the country imported $2.44 billion worth of refined petroleum products in 2024.

India supplied $827 million of these imports, while Oman supplied $469 million. The United Arab Emirates, Belgium and Singapore also ranked among key suppliers.

Beyond supplier origin, logistical vulnerability remains significant. Treasury Secretary Amílcar Tivane stated last month that about 80% of Mozambique’s fuel imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic route that carries around 20% of global energy flows.

He added that Mozambique currently holds about 75,000 tonnes of fuel stocks, which should remain sufficient until early May 2026.

This article was initially published in French by Abdel-Latif Boureima

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum