A tanker carrying about 64,000 tonnes of diesel fuel from Nigeria has arrived at the port of Toamasina, Madagascar, in a major fuel shipment aimed at supporting the country’s electricity generation.
The Sunda 1 tanker delivered about 67 million litres of diesel for Madagascar’s state-owned energy company, JIRAMA. The shipment is expected to provide enough fuel to support the company’s power plants for about one month, based on their reported monthly consumption.
According to reports, the shipment was negotiated with Nigeria’s Sahara Group as Madagascar sought an urgent solution to fuel shortages that have disrupted power and water supplies.
Madagascar’s President, Michael Randrianirina, welcomed the arrival of the vessel, describing the shipment as an important step toward stabilising the country’s energy supply.
The delivery comes as Madagascar faces a serious fuel shortage and has moved toward greater state involvement in petroleum imports. (GSF)