Mera says 17 trucks on their way to deliver fuel to Malawi
Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) says some 17 trucks are on their way from Beira in Mozambique to deliver fuel in the country.
Mera’s Senior Consumer and Public Relations Edward Mponda explained that fuel crisis would be addressed shortly, saying government has looked into the issue with urgency and seriousness.
“There are about 17 trucks coming to deliver fuel as some trucks are still loading. This problem will be addressed shortly as government has looked into the matter with urgency and seriousness,” Mponda said.
Mponda also said the main challenge to fuel crisis has been financial constraint to support importation of fuel, adding that government through Reserve Bank of Malawi has addresse the problem.
“The primary cause is financial constraint to support importation of fuel. Right now, government through Reserve Bank of Malawi has rectified those hurdles and that fuel will start being imported,” he said.
He further warned motorists from buying fuel from parallel markets, saying it is illegal and prosecutable by laws of the country. Mponda warned against vending of fuel without licence from the regulatory body, adding that those vendors who sell fuel on parallel markets are not trained and that they can tamper with fuel resulting in adverse effects on vehicles.
“I would like to advise motorists in the country to refrain from buying or using fuel form parallel markets. Those vendors are not trained and that the fuel which they sell isn’t certified by us.
“Because of poor handling of fuel, it can cause adverse effects on the vehicles. Those that are involved in vending of fuel should know that it is illegal and once caught they will be prosecuted,” he warned.
Malawians have been once again hit by fuel shortage in the country that has resulted in skyrocketing of prices for basic needs and bus fares. This has negatively impacted on the poor Malawians in the rural, urban and peri-urban areas.
