By Khumbo Msambala Salanje
Malawi’s fuel supply situation is showing signs of improvement following recent government interventions, although experts are calling for stronger long-term reforms to ensure sustained stability in the energy sector.
Public Relations Officer for the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), Fitina Khonje, confirmed that fuel availability and distribution have improved in major urban centres, although some challenges persist.
“The situation is not yet perfect,” Khonje said, noting that petrol supply has improved significantly while diesel remains below demand in some areas. She added that supply is expected to stabilise further as import volumes increase.
Khonje also said MERA is working with the Malawi Police Service to strengthen enforcement at filling stations in order to curb illegal fuel trading and ensure compliance.
The joint monitoring patrols, she said, are aimed at preventing diversion and hoarding of fuel within the distribution system.
Her remarks come as queues at filling stations continue to reduce following recent fuel consignments that have improved supply in key urban areas.
In a separate interview, energy analyst Dr. Suzgo Kaunda said recent government measures, including cost reflective fuel pricing, financing arrangements and efforts to secure foreign exchange, have contributed to improved fuel availability.
He said previous pricing structures discouraged fuel importation, worsening shortages, but the shift towards cost reflective pricing has improved import viability.
“The interventions we are seeing now, particularly around financing and pricing, have significantly contributed to improved availability of fuel,” Kaunda said.
He added that government efforts to mobilise resources, including external financing and other initiatives, have helped ease pressure on foreign exchange constraints that previously affected fuel supply.
Kaunda commended regulatory efforts by MERA, including joint patrols with the Malawi Police Service, saying they have strengthened oversight in the downstream petroleum sector.
“These enforcement measures are important in maintaining discipline in the market and ensuring that available fuel reaches intended consumers,” he said.
He said government is moving in the right direction through market-based pricing, improved coordination with financial institutions and stronger regulation.
However, Kaunda cautioned that the gains remain fragile and urged government to invest in long term solutions such as developing alternative energy sources, including ethanol production, to reduce dependence on imports.
He also supported incentives such as tax removal on electric vehicles, saying wider adoption could reduce petrol demand in the transport sector over time.
Kaunda further urged government to maintain adequate strategic fuel reserves to cushion the country against future shocks and recommended targeted fuel allocation during shortages, prioritising critical sectors such as health services and transport.
He said sustained stability in the sector will depend on consistent foreign exchange availability, disciplined policy implementation and investment in alternative energy sources.
