Mali junta: Fuel crisis exploited by companies to raise prices

As the Sahel grapples with fuel shortages due to the US-Israeli war on Iran, Mali’s military junta has accused companies of exploiting shortages to raise prices, according to RFI and agencies on April 2nd.

Mali is among several African countries struggling with the economic effects of the conflict; the situation is compounded further by the jihadist-imposed fuel blockade that Mali has been under since September 2025.

On March 31st, the transitional government’s Ministry of Transport released a statement claiming that “certain economic actors are unilaterally raising prices.”

An April 1st statement accused “certain” bus companies of increasing fares “in proportion” with rising fuel prices, essentially accusing companies of exploiting the crisis for profit.

JNIM, an al-Qaeda-linked militant group, is behind the blockade, which they envision will destabilise the junta and ultimately lead to the establishment of an Islamic Republic in Mali.

Mali’s landlocked status and reliance on fuel imports were exploited by militants who blocked supply routes and attacked fuel tanker convoys, even when escorted by Malian authorities.

Following a January 29th attack on a convoy in the western Kayes region, a Malian drivers’ union threatened to suspend “all operations, including unloading” over safety concerns.

Despite jihadist attacks, it was reported in February that fuel supplies had been largely stabilised; however, Bamako residents have experienced diesel shortages since March.

On March 22nd, it was reported that over 100 suspected jihadists, along with members of the Fulani community, had been released from prison under a deal to halt jihadist attacks on fuel convoys.

However, the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) denied these claims at a March 30th press briefing, saying the claims were “intended to tarnish Mali’s image and undermine trust between the people and their institutions.”

FAMA added, “This is pure manipulation, completely unfounded and lacking any reliable source.”

Opposition figures have accused the junta of attempting to distract from its failures in protecting the public amid Islamist insurgencies, tensions at the Mauritanian border and instability in the north tied to Tuareg separatists.

Due to growing internal strife, Mali’s junta has sought Russian support to maintain stability, often in exchange for access to natural resources, such as gold.

However, FAMA and Russian mercenaries have been accused of perpetrating human rights violations against Malian civilians, including murder and sexual violence.

RFI and agencies, Maghrebi.org