Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Energy, Alfonso Chikuni, says fuel importation under both the Government-to-Government (G2G) and Open Tender System suppliers is flowing steadily, with significant price advantages compared to neighboring countries.
Chikuni made the remarks on Friday in Lilongwe during a joint press briefing with officials from the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) and the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA).
He emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with neighboring countries such as Tanzania and Mozambique to facilitate easier importation.
He is underscoring the need for Malawi to develop its own infrastructure for fuel handling.
On his part, MERA Chief Executive Officer, Henry Kachaje, said the regulator has set aside adequate funding to pre-book and procure sufficient fuel for the country, noting the rise in domestic consumption compared to previous years.
He also acknowledged reports of fuel being smuggled into neighboring countries due to the lower prices that the country is selling.
However, Kachaje disclosed new measures to curb malpractice in the sector which include every licensee to ensure employees are fully aware of fuel handling regulations, and closely monitor employee conduct, particularly at retail service stations.
Additionally, all retail outlets will be required to have functional CCTV systems, effective 1 September 2025, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) will only supply fuel to retail stations with operational CCTV, adding that OMCs must supply fuel exclusively to licensed bulk procurement customers with valid storage facilities.
During the meeting it was also indicated that advance procurement for fuel supplies covering September and October 2025 has been finalized, adding that in the coming weeks, Malawi is expected to receive its second G2G vessel, bringing in a total of 48 million litres of petrol and diesel.
The G2G arrangement was approved by Parliament after President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera directed the initiation of procurement processes to ease the country’s fuel shortages.
