The Mozambican Oil Importer (IMOPETRO) needs about $200 million to import the same quantities of fuel before prices have inflated on the international market.

According to the morning paper "Notícias", previously the importer spent about $80 million, and the rising costs are reducing the ability of companies to mobilize resources to import the same quantities of fuel into the country. This is causing filling stations to have less and less fuel to meet national demand.

"Our importation occurs every 22 days. Right now we have gasoline for 28 days; jet, used in aviation, for 26 days; and diesel for 37 days," he assured.

As a consequence of the unsustainability of the business, five small gas stations have suspended their activities, according to the Director of IMOPETRO, João Macanja, quoted in the newspaper.

Currently crude oil, from which diesel and gasoline are refined, is trading between $100 and $120. Between February ($761) and May of this year alone, the ton of gasoline rose by $307 to $1068 per ton, the price the country pays.

In February, the liter of gasoline arrived at the Mozambican ports at 38 meticais, in March at 41 meticais, in April at 47 meticais and in May at 54 meticais.

The official clarified that the conflict in Eastern Europe has aggravated the demand for fuel as countries have relaxed anti-Covi-19 restrictions and demand has grown without production increasing.

Although some measures to reverse the situation are on the table for debate at the international level, IMPOETRO's Direct predicts that they will not be "sufficient to stabilize the market."