Fuel shortage threatens creative sector’s rhythm
By Jimmy Chazama:
As the country continues to grapple with dry pumps which have affected operations for several sectors, the creative industry has not been left out of the equation.
Organisers of upcoming festivals and concerts later this month have since lamented fuel shortages saying it risks grounding their events.
Lead coordinator for Sand Music Festival to be held at Kingfisher Inn in Mangochi on October 23 to 25, Yamikani Chinguwo, said they are at a panic as the fuel scarcity threatens turnout among others.
“With no fuel, the situation looks bad and our operational requirements will be costly. Trucks carrying equipment have been at filling stations to refuel,” Chinguwo said.
He said the alternatives on black market are expensive with the commodity selling as high as K20,000 per litre in some areas.
“We hope the government will help us on this especially taking into consideration that this is the festival season. We are trying at the moment to work with various logistical partners and bus services to ease travel costs for people,” Chinguwo said.
Sand Music Festival, which returns to the fold after a two-year break following the demise of iconic musician Soldier Lucius Banda, who was the festival’s director, is among the few fiestas’ running this year.
“There will be low patronage for sure which will affect our revenue and we are looking at losses,” Chinguwo said.
He has since indicated that they are working on contingency arrangements, which include acquiring fuel allocations for generators and exploring solar for noncritical lighting.
Afro Fest spokesperson Sellah Chiuye also acknowledged the crisis.
“We are looking forward with hope that people will show up despite the fuel shortage experiences. We are continuing with our preparations and finding solutions and alternatives,” she said.
Afro Fest to be held this coming Saturday will be held at Malawi Square at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe attracting both local and international artists.
Organisers of the Standard Bank Live at Kumbali to be held on October 24, 2026 at Kumbali Castle in Lilongwe have also admitted that fuel availability is a concern.
“Fuel availability is obviously a concern for an event of this magnitude, particularly when there are many different suppliers and service providers involved. Preparations are continuing as planned, and we are monitoring the situation closely,” General Manager Ian D’heygere said.
He said Kumbali Castle maintains emergency fuel reserves for backup purposes and that power planning remains based on national electricity supply with generator support.
