Mali Raises Fuel Prices Sharply as JNIM Blockade Truce Takes Effect

Mali's government announced significant fuel price increases on March 28, as supply chains resumed following the March 23 prisoner-for-fuel-corridor deal with JNIM. Diesel prices rose 29.7% to 940 CFA francs per liter (~$1.62); petrol rose 12.9% to 875 CFA francs per liter. Fuel subsidies were partially cut to reflect the new supply reality. The increases confirm that while fuel is flowing again after the seven-month JNIM blockade (September 2025–March 2026), the crisis has permanently reset the cost baseline for energy in Mali. Analysts note the truce is time-limited (until Eid al-Adha, approximately late May 2026) and JNIM retains structural leverage to reimpose the blockade if further concessions are not made.