Ségou’s persistent fuel crisis: economic slowdown in Mali

Since September 2025, the central Malian city of Ségou has been gripped by a persistent fuel scarcity, profoundly impacting the daily routines and economic vitality of its residents.

Located over 200 kilometers from the capital, Bamako, Ségou relies on fuel convoys that are meticulously secured and escorted by the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa). Due to the precarious security situation in the region, these vital supply operations occur only two to three times each month.

Insufficient fuel supply cripples Ségou

Upon arrival, each convoy typically comprises more than ten tanker trucks. A significant portion of this fuel is allocated to industrial production units and Énergie du Mali (EDM), the national electricity company. Consequently, only three or four trucks are left to supply local service stations, whose reserves are frequently depleted within a mere forty-eight hours.

Numerous residents point to the challenges in fuel procurement, exacerbated by insecurity, as a catalyst for a highly profitable black market. They voice strong concerns over the recurring stockouts at official service stations and urgently call for a more consistent and reliable supply of fuel.

Black market thrives amidst fuel crisis

The moment official fuel pumps run dry, informal vendors quickly step in. Across various neighborhoods in Ségou, a liter of petrol is openly sold for prices ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 CFA francs, substantially higher than standard rates.

Many inhabitants express skepticism about the origin of the fuel being distributed on this parallel market. A common sentiment is that opportunistic individuals are exploiting the ongoing crisis to amass considerable profits, operating visibly and seemingly without consequence.

Ségou’s economy severely impacted by fuel scarcity

The persistent fuel scarcity directly impacts Ségou’s economy and the mobility of its residents. Observers have noted an unusual reduction in activity along the city’s main thoroughfares.

Public transportation services have been particularly hard hit. The fares for tricycles, locally known as «katakatani», have doubled, climbing from 100 to 200 CFA francs. This increase significantly complicates daily commutes for a large segment of the population, including students, teachers, and various workers.

In response to the crisis, the FAMa has intensified patrols and checkpoints on key roadways to intercept vehicles transporting significant quantities of fuel to distant areas. Despite these efforts, residents continue to demand a lasting solution to a crisis that progressively weakens Ségou’s economic stability each passing day.