The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has come down hard on SIMSO Oil and Transport Company, suspending the firm from receiving fuel allocations after uncovering a staggering 200,000 litres of hoarded petrol, while its fuel stations remained dry.
The revelation, made during regulatory inspections of fuel depots across Lilongwe on 6 August, paints a troubling picture of corporate irresponsibility amid Malawi’s ongoing fuel supply crisis.
MERA said SIMSO had no “justifiable reason” for stockpiling the fuel, suggesting intentional disruption of national supply chains.
“The conduct of SIMSO undermines efforts to stabilise the fuel market during a critical time,” MERA said in a strongly worded statement.
The regulatory body has since ordered the company to immediately distribute the hoarded petrol to its retail stations.
In an unprecedented move, MERA has also banned all Oil Marketing Companies and importers from supplying any fuel to SIMSO until further notice.
Public outrage is brewing, with many calling for stricter penalties and possible criminal investigations into alleged fuel manipulation practices.
MERA has urged the public to report illegal fuel trading through its toll-free line 4259 or via email at [email protected].
As Malawi battles a persistent fuel crisis, the spotlight now turns to energy sector accountability, and whether the sanctions against SIMSO will set a lasting precedent.
