The Minibus Owners Association of Malawi (MOAM) has welcomed the recent reduction in fuel prices announced by the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), describing the development as a relief to transport operators and the public.
MOAM
General Secretary Coxley Kamange said the reduction should also be reflected in
transport fares to ensure that passengers benefit from the lower fuel costs.
"We
welcome the reduction in fuel prices because it will help ease operational
costs for minibus owners. However, operators should also consider reducing
transport fares to cushion passengers. Maintaining the old fares despite the
reduction in fuel prices would be unfair," said Kamange.
On
18 June, Malawi Regulatory Authority (MERA) announced a reduction in fuel
prices, with petrol dropping from K6,209 per litre to K5,619 per litre, while
diesel was also reduced from its previous price of K6,687 per litre to K6,306
per litre.
The
development has, however, attracted mixed reactions from various
stakeholders.Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI)
Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa said the reduction falls short of
addressing the economic hardships facing many Malawians.
"The
reduction is insignificant considering the high cost of living that Malawians
continue to endure. We expected a more substantial decrease that would have a
meaningful impact on the lives of ordinary citizens," said Namiwa.
He
further urged authorities to consider additional measures aimed at protecting
vulnerable households from rising living costs.
"MERA
and the government need to cushion the majority of poor Malawians, who are both
taxpayers and voters, against the escalating cost of living driven by high fuel
prices and the resulting increase in the cost of goods and services," he
added.
Meanwhile,
Kamange has called on relevant authorities to closely monitor commodity prices
to ensure that consumers fully benefit from the fuel price adjustment.
"Whenever
fuel prices go up, we immediately see increases in the prices of goods and
services. Therefore, when fuel prices come down, we should also see
corresponding reductions in commodity prices. Authorities need to ensure this
happens," he said.
Kamange
also assured the public that MOAM will engage its members to ensure that
transport fares are adjusted accordingly.
"We
will work with our members to ensure that transport fares are reduced so that
Malawians can benefit from the lower fuel prices," he said.
Recently,
CDEDI appealed to the government to immediately reduce fuel prices, arguing
that the high cost of fuel was worsening the economic challenges facing
Malawians.
