Malawians blast MERA over ‘meaningless’ fuel price cut

Malawians are blasting the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) over the K463 reduction in petrol prices, describing it as meaningless and incapable of easing the economic hardship triggered by the 34 percent hike introduced two months ago.

In a statement released on Thursday, MERA announced that petrol prices have been reduced from K6,672 to K6,209 per litre. However, diesel prices remain unchanged at K6,687 per litre.

The announcement immediately sparked reactions on social media, where many citizens argued that the reduction is insignificant compared to the sharp increase implemented on April 1 this year.

During the April adjustment, MERA increased petrol and diesel prices by 34 percent and 35 percent respectively, a move that pushed up transport fares and prices of goods and services across the country. Commenting on Malawi24’s Facebook page, Madalitso Ngaiyaye said the reduction offers no real relief to struggling citizens.

“They increased fuel prices by more than 30 percent and now they are reducing by less than seven percent. There is nothing to celebrate because prices of goods and transport are still very high,” said Ngaiyaye.

Echoing the sentiments, Rose Khonje Mbonera said businesses and transport operators are unlikely to reduce prices because of the small adjustment.

“There is nothing to smile about. People are still struggling and this reduction will not change anything,” she said. Another social media user, Chikondi Mvula, questioned why diesel prices were left unchanged despite diesel being widely used in transportation and business operations.

“If diesel remains unchanged, the cost of living will remain high because most businesses and public transport depend on diesel,” wrote Mvula.

However, a few Malawians welcomed the development, saying any reduction in fuel prices is still a positive step while expressing hope for bigger cuts in the near future.