Since late 2025, the city of Ségou in central Mali has been gripped by a persistent fuel crisis. This shortage is not just a minor inconvenience; it has fundamentally altered the rhythm of daily life and brought local commerce to a crawl.
Located roughly 200 kilometers from the capital, Bamako, Ségou relies entirely on fuel shipments protected by the Forces armées maliennes (FAMa). Because of the volatile security landscape in the region, these vital convoys are only able to reach the city two or three times every month.
A distribution system under pressure
When a convoy finally arrives, it usually consists of about a dozen tankers. However, the distribution of this cargo reveals a stark imbalance. The vast majority of the fuel is immediately diverted to industrial plants and Énergie du Mali (EDM), the national power utility. This leaves a mere three or four trucks to supply the city’s commercial gas stations. Consequently, pumps frequently run dry within forty-eight hours of a delivery.
The lack of consistent supply, driven by regional insecurity, has paved the way for a booming black market. Residents are increasingly frustrated by the empty stations and are calling for more frequent deliveries to stabilize the situation.
Rising costs and the informal market
As soon as official pumps stop flowing, informal vendors step in to fill the void. In various neighborhoods across Ségou, the price for a single liter of gasoline has skyrocketed, trading between 2,000 and 5,000 francs CFA—prices far exceeding the regulated rates.
The origin of this black-market fuel remains a point of contention among the local population. Many observe that opportunists are taking advantage of the scarcity to secure massive profits, operating openly while the city suffers.
Economic paralysis and transport woes
The lack of fuel has triggered a ripple effect throughout Ségou’s economy. Residents have noted that the usually bustling main roads are unusually quiet, reflecting a significant downturn in activity.
Public transportation has been hit particularly hard. Fares for tricycles, locally known as « katakatani », have doubled from 100 to 200 francs CFA. For students, teachers, and daily laborers, this increase represents a major obstacle to their daily commutes.
In response, the FAMa has ramped up patrols and checkpoints on major roads to prevent the unauthorized transport of fuel to outlying areas. Despite these efforts, the people of Ségou remain desperate for a permanent solution to a crisis that continues to undermine their livelihoods.
