Mera sets tough rules for filling station owners

The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) has introduced tough rules for individuals opening filling stations as one way of bringing order in the business.

Of late, there has been a boom of filling stations, some of them are concentrated in one area.

According to Mera, this has led to the establishment of filling stations in undesignated places.

Speaking in Salima recently during a media sensitisation workshop on developments in the energy sector, Mera Director of Fuels and Gas, Alinafe Mkavea, said the new regulations will require potential investors to notify the authority from as early as the time of site identification.

Mkavea said the new standards will help to ensure that Mera approves or rejects applications at an early stage before investors start pumping money into projects.

Mkavea, however, said the new requirements will not apply retrospectively.

During the meeting, Mera also told reporters that it has stiffened penalties for those found keeping petroleum products in homes.

Mera acting Chief Executive Officer, Ishmael Chioko, said journalists have an important role to play in informing the nation on various developments in the energy industry.

“But, if you are to report accurately and effectively, there is a need for you to first appreciate the situation and operating environment,” he said.

The workshop attracted journalists from across the country.