In Bamako, Mali's capital city, the familiar sounds of car engines and horns have been replaced by those of shuffling feet.
Residents push depleted motorcycles through the city's dusty roads, frustrated by the fuel blockade that has paralysed Mali for more than two months.
Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a jihadist, al-Qaeda-affiliated militia, has been attacking tankers bringing fuel into Mali, broadening its years-long insurgency to include economic warfare.
JNIM's fighters have kidnapped drivers and torched more than 100 trucks bound for Bamako.
Daily life has been upended for millions of Malians - schools and universities had to close, food prices have surged, and hospitals are battling power cuts.
The fuel shortage has sparked concern outside of Mali, with the US urging Americans not to travel to Mali and France advising its citizens to leave the West African country as soon as possible.
One defining image of the crisis is lengthy queues building up outside petrol stations.
We're here waiting for fuel, and we've been here for more than four days now, Sidi Djiré, a taxi driver waiting at a petrol station in Bamako, tells the BBC.
Mr. Djiré hopes Mali's military-led government will solve the crisis soon because whether you're a vendor or a teacher, everyone's work has been affected.
At some forecourts in Bamako, motorists are met by a note bearing three, exasperating words - no fuel today.
Many delivery and bus drivers have resorted to sleeping at petrol stations in the hope of being the first to refuel once supplies come in.
With public transport fares tripling in some parts of the capital, some passengers have ditched the bus completely and are walking long distances to work.
At Bamako's Baco Djicoroni market, customer Assitan Diarra says food prices have tripled.
Times are really tough right now. But what can we do? We are at war. We pray that God brings ease and peace to our country, Ms. Diarra says.
Traders tell the BBC prices have increased because transport costs have surged and the supply of imported goods has dwindled.
Behind this chaos appears a carefully orchestrated plan from JNIM, as they have intensified attacks over the past year. By cutting off fuel, the lifeblood of transport and logistics, JNIM has forced the government into a defensive position.
Fuel supply lines into Mali, predominantly coming from neighbouring countries, have been targeted strategically by the insurgents, highlighting their expanding influence.
The fuel blockade is impacting hospitals significantly, causing diesel shortages to hinder emergency services. Dr. Issa Guido from Kalaban Coro Health Centre voices concerns over personnel struggles to report for duty.
Measures to ease the crisis include emergency fuel supply agreements with Russia as the Mali government rushes to regain stability.
However, the blockade has also exposed the government’s vulnerability, complicating its appeal to re-establish order against a backdrop of growing insecurity and escalating food prices.
