The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has announced an upward adjustment in fuel prices, effective Tuesday this week.
In a statement signed by its Board Chairperson, Lucas Kondowe, MERA said the petrol pump price has increased from K3,499 to K4,965, representing a 41.90 percent rise, while the diesel pump price has gone up from K3,500 to K4,945, an increase of 41.29 percent.
According to MERA, the adjustment follows a rise in the cost of importing petrol and diesel, which has exceeded the allowed five percent range under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism.
The authority further says the adjustment is reasonable, as it ensures the continued availability of fuel across the country.
However, the Minibus Owners Association of Malawi (MOAM) has expressed disappointment with the development.
In an interview with Umunthu FM, the association’s president, Coxely Kamange, said the increase will affect their day-to-day operations, noting that transport fares and vehicle spare parts are likely to rise.
“Despite that, commuters are the ones going to be highly affected, because their salaries are still the same, but people have to travel from one place to another, including students,” he added.
Kamange suggested that the government could have considered increasing fuel prices in phases to give Malawians some breathing space.
Meanwhile, he has warned minibus owners against increasing fares beyond 41 percent, saying such a move would be against the law.
“This doesn't mean that every minibus owner should adjust the prices; you cannot adjust the transport fare if you don't want to,” he said.
