By Adson Nthenga
Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL) has donated fuel worth K400 million to support the Governments Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme, demonstrating strong private sector solidarity following a call from the State President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
The contribution, aimed at transporting humanitarian food and relief items to affected communities, was handed over on Monday at the Office of the President and Cabinet in Lilongwe and received by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. Justin Saidi, on behalf of the Government through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA).
Speaking at the handover, PIL Vice President Zubeir Bhana said the donation comes as Malawi faces a serious food insecurity crisis affecting millions of people.
“This fuel will enable the transportation of essential food supplies to affected communities. It is our contribution to keeping relief efforts moving and hope alive,” he said.
He added: “This crisis cannot be addressed by one organisation alone, and called on other private sector players, development partners, and well-wishers to, join hands with Government in responding to this emergency.”
Dr. Saidi welcomed the donation, noting that the State of Disaster declared by President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika on 14th November 2025, reflects the serious food insecurity facing millions of Malawians.
He praised PIL for the generous support, saying it demonstrates togetherness and shared responsibility, and assured that government will ensure the fuel is used for its intended purpose.
He also urged the private sector and development partners to support interventions that enhance food and nutrition security, including irrigation farming, crop and diet diversification, and livelihood programmes to reduce vulnerability to climate shocks.
