The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) has asked consumers to report illegal fuel trading practices amid fuel supply constraints in the country.
These practices, according to Mera Consumer Affairs and Public Relations Manager Fitina Khonje, include hoarding fuel and selling fuel in jerry cans without authorisation.
Khonje said the practices should be reported to Police and Mera, adding that any fuel service station found engaging in illegal trading practices risks suspension or revocation of their licence.
“We investigate and take action depending on findings and Mera has noted with concern an increase in fuel trading malpractices which are undermining efforts to ensure fair access to fuel amidst fuel supply constraints,” he said.
Additionally, Mera also cautioned filling stations to avoid selling fuel above maximum retail price set by the regulator. The prices are K1, 746 per litre for petrol and K1,920 per litre for diesel.
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The energy regulator said operators found selling the commodity above the recommended price risk having their filling stations closed down.
Meanwhile, Mera has on Monday closed one of the fuel service stations in Blantyre for 30 days for selling fuel to customers in jerry cans, following complaints which the authority had received and verified.
According to Mera, opening of the service station will be subject to satisfactory implementation of measures taken to avoid reoccurrence of the malpractice.
On his part, Consumers Association of Malawi Executive Director John Kapito faulted Mera for failing to inspect filling stations.
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Kapito urged Mera to put enforcement systems that will check if filling stations are hoarding fuel as people are struggling to obtain it.
“They should not just rely on people to report but they should also be proactive by checking themselves because many filling stations are engaging in the said malpractices,” he said.
Malawi has in the past weeks faced an acute shortage of fuel.
Mera attributed the scarcity of fuel in the country to foreign exchange challenges.
