Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
Info on fuel crisis in Malawi Info on fuel crisis in Malawi
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 May 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 37
Info on fuel crisis in Malawi
Traveled south-africa, namibia, botswana and now in zimbabwe. Next week we enter malawi (a friend is visiting us there, so we cannot avoid malawi). Malawi has been in the news now because of a new president (other died suddenly) and for fuel shortages.

Can anyone tell me if that means that I sometimes have to wait for one hour. Or is it more a day or even a week to get filled up again.

Usefull to cross the border for this, get fuel in neighboring country and get back?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 3 May 2012
m2m m2m is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 38
I was in Malawi a couple of months ago. You can find petrol on the black market by asking around. Petrol stations can be without petrol for weeks and normally run out after a day or two when they do receive some.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 May 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 7
Hi,
Do you know what the situation is regarding brining in fuel for transiting through Malawi?

We have an 80L tank on our 4x4 but will also have 5x20L Diesel jerry cans. We basically plan to enter from Zambia, travel around a bit and then exit into Mozambique.

Has anyone heard of any licensing requirement? (+ cost or any additional information)

Cheers,
Mike
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 May 2012
m2m m2m is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 38
Don't think you will have any problem with just 2 jerry cans...but try to put them out sight of Customs just in case.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 May 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 37
Ok, entered malawi yesterday. Some thing to help you get along:

Money:
Exchange rate:
1USD = 248
1 eur = 320
=> there was a devalutaion last week of the kwacha! So don't get screwed at the border when changing money.
Largest bill is 500 kwacha (=2USD), so you carry quite a pack of paper

Visa: free
Temp import document = 5000 (car/motor) or enter with a carnet (free)

Gasoline: a lot has changed since the president died last month. Gasoline is now available for 490 kwacha/liter (yes, very expensive). Some filling stations state 390/liter, but I only've put fuel at the first station.

The customs didn't bother me about the jerrycan I was carrying.

succes!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 May 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 277
A MASSIVE THANKYOU!!
Im so happy someone finally went in and found out for all of us!
Im heading south and didnt want to leave this country off my list because of a few stories so THANK YOU for doing so!!
__________________
For more information on my adventures, please visit either of the following:
w.http://www.motomonkeyadventures.com/
fb. facebook.com/motomonkeyadventures
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 14 May 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 37
no problem. Gas is indeed 490 everywhere.

I bought insurance at the border (border between zambia and Lolangwe). It was 3500/month.

And a lot is happening now in malawi, so keep track of the news.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 14 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by kjiratsiekoedel View Post

Gasoline: a lot has changed since the president died last month. Gasoline is now available for 490 kwacha/liter (yes, very expensive). Some filling stations state 390/liter, but I only've put fuel at the first station.
Cheap by UK standards of pricing.

An interesting update about Malawi & things can always be tumultuous when heads of state change.
We live in interesting times.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 3 Jun 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: London, UK
Posts: 57
Just a quick note about the exchange rate. There is a big difference between the official and unofficial exchange rates. Withdrawing money from an ATM/cashpoint will be a lot more expressive than on the black market. But know your rates first

Its a beautiful country with very friendly people, don't let the fuel problems stop you from going
__________________
Pikipiki Safari - UK to South Africa, Argentina to Colombia 2011/2012
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 17 Jun 2012
RIP: 5/3/21
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Onalaska, Washington, USA
Posts: 335
Thanks for the update, was in Malawi in January and had to leave country to get fuel. The problem as I saw it was currency was locked in at 180 to US$ so no one would sell them fuel. the devaluation should fix that. Plan to head back that way in late November and it will be good to see the country with out worry about fuel. As per cost the black market was as high as 50 R (over$4) per L.

Ride on
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

LinkBacks (?)
LinkBack to this Thread: https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/sub-saharan-africa/info-on-fuel-crisis-malawi-64053
Posted By For Type Date
Planning a trip around Lake Malawi - 4x4 Community Forum This thread Refback 15 May 2012 15:19

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
PAKISTAN: an update + new info re visas at Sost luckro SE Asia 25 2 Jan 2016 07:39
RTW on 100cc underbones - Underboning the World Underboning Ride Tales 300 4 Jan 2013 09:24
Taking extra fuel with you duive01 Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 26 24 Jul 2012 16:27
Country info in West Africa, mechanics, borders & roads! mahsita sub-Saharan Africa 1 19 Apr 2012 16:13
increasing fuel capacity Robertsmits Tech 9 19 Dec 2011 13:42

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:30.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top