New Malawi fuel reserves ready in two weeks – MERA
The some of the newly constructed strategic fuel reserves in three regions of the country are set to be officially commissioned for use by December, Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) has disclosed.
Government through newly-established National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma) has been constructing fuel reserves in Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu to improve fuel storage capacity.
The new reserves are expected to store fuel up to 90 days and ease pressure currently experienced when importing fuel into the country.
Nocma officials have disclosed that currently the reserves are being tested before are officially commissioned for use in two weekstime.
Mera Director of Liquid Fuels and Gas, Alinafe Mkavea said the reserves in Kanengo in Lilongwe are expected to be ready by December this year, and will be holding about 25 million litres of fuel.
“The reserves in Mzuzu and Blantyre will be ready by January because there are some works to be done especially on road network. But in Kanengo are done and will be ready by this December,” said Mkavea during the consultative meeting Mera had with stakeholders in Blantyre on Liquid Fuels and Gas Emergency Plan.
Malawi has a 15-day fuel reserve which is less than requirement of the 60-days.
Mkavea has since disclosed that the country has 19 days petrol cover and about 14 days diesel cover.
Meanwhile, Mera is formulating Liquid Fuels and Gas Emergency Response Plan to respond to accidents, emergencies, natural disasters or other interruptions or distortions of the products liquid fuels and gas supply.
