Fuel shortage in oil-rich Angola tests mettle of new President Lourenco

Luanda, Angola

ANGOLA has suffered a week of fuel shortages, a bitter irony for one of Africa's leading oil producers, and a hardship that some people blame on opponents of President Joao Lourenco.

The majority of petrol stations in the capital Luanda have had long lines of motorists for seven days now, all waiting for the chance to fill up their tanks.

"We don't have any more," said Henriques Carvalho, a pump attendant in the Bairro Popular district.

"They came here to refuel but demand has been so great that we sold our last few litres tonight. I'm waiting for the next tanker." In front of each pump, lines of trucks and cars stretch out of view. "I've been queueing for two hours," said Gi…