Malawi fuel shortage fears dismissed: Mera says no panick buying

Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) has dismissed fears that country faces imminent fuel shortage.

Mera chairperson Lyton Zinyemba said the public should not give in to such rumours and avoid buying petrol in panick.

Zinyemba said there was no need for panic as internal as well as external stockholding of petroleum products are adequate.

“We are absolutely clear we are taking the measures necessary in order to have uninterrupted fuel supplies,” he said.

“There are adequate financing mechanisms for Malawi’s fuel needs. The public should ignore all speculative actions that would portray that Malawi does not have enough fuel supplies,” said Mera chairperson.

The energy regulator, last Friday hiked the price of fuel by about 7.2 percent.

The price of petrol is now K856.70 ($1.86) per litre whereas diesel, used mainly by businesses, is now selling at K865.70 ($1.88) per litre from K805.50 ($1.75) per litre.