President of the United Democratic Front (UDF), Atupele Muluzi has condemned the government’s overnight fuel‑price hike as a harsh and painful reality calling it a clear signal of policy failure.
In a press statement signed by President, Atupele Muluzi, the opposition party argues the hike reflects either a deep disconnect from citizens’ daily struggles or systemic inefficiency and profiteering in state‑linked institutions.
“Malawians deserve leadership that responds with solutions, not excuses,” reads part of the statement.
The party says that even with global pressure from the U.S, Israel and Iran conflict, the numbers don’t add up because the world average pump price is about $1.44/litre (MWK 2,500), yet Malawians are being asked to pay more than double that.
The party attributes the gap to exchange‑rate mismanagement and it’s calling the new price as a hidden tax on the government’s failure to stabilise the Kwacha.
However, the party urges immediate Currency stabilization, a transparent fuel‑procurement process and a strategic shift from road to rail imports via the Nacala Corridor, a move it says could cut logistics costs by up to 40%.
Ironically, railway transport was phased out shortly after Malawi transitioned to multiparty democracy in 1994, during the presidency of Bakili Muluzi, who is also the father of Atupele Muluzi.
