Government Simplifies Customs Procedures for Fuel Imports

The decision is outlined in Ministerial Diploma No. 80/2026, published by the Ministry of Finance, which introduces new rules to facilitate the entry and customs clearance of petroleum products intended for domestic consumption, according to the Lusa news agency.

Under the new regulations, the Declaration of Entry into Storage for petroleum products must be submitted within a maximum of 30 days from the completion of unloading at the destination customs facility. This period may be extended by a further 15 days, subject to authorisation from the relevant customs authorities.

The diploma also establishes a maximum period of 65 days for the customs clearance of fuel imports, with the possibility of an additional 15-day extension in duly justified circumstances.

The new rules further require the operator responsible for importing the fuel to notify customs authorities of the shipment's arrival at least five days before unloading.

During the implementation of this exceptional regime, the deadlines previously established under the general customs clearance regulations for petroleum products will be suspended.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the measures are temporary and exceptional and will remain in force until 31 December 2026.

The decision comes just weeks after Mozambique experienced renewed fuel supply difficulties, particularly in late September, when long queues were reported at filling stations in Maputo and other provinces.

At the time, the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy attributed the disruptions to logistical difficulties during an extended weekend, which affected the regular fuel loading and distribution cycle.

To restore normal supply, the Government announced reinforced operations at the Matola Terminal to accelerate the loading of fuel tanker trucks. It also assured the public that available reserves were sufficient to maintain supplies to Maputo until the arrival of a vessel carrying 8,000 tonnes of petrol.

The September disruptions followed a fuel supply crisis between April and May, which affected several regions of the country, causing long queues at filling stations, temporary closures and difficulties in supplying consumers and transport operators.

At the time, the Government linked part of the crisis to the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on international energy markets and supply chains, stating that approximately 80% of Mozambique's imported fuel originated from the region and passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Mozambique acknowledged difficulties in accessing foreign currency to finance fuel imports, partly attributed to the reported financial constraints of some companies operating in the sector.

According to central bank data, Mozambique spent $236.4 million on fuel imports during the first quarter of 2026, representing a 1.4% decrease compared with the $239.6 million recorded during the same period in 2025.

In May, following the supply crisis and rising international fuel prices, the Government increased regulated fuel prices, resulting in a 45.5% rise in diesel prices and a 12.1% increase in petrol prices.

Mozambique remains dependent on imported petroleum products to meet domestic demand, as the country does not have fuel refining capacity.