The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) on Thursday announced new fuel prices, cutting petrol by 9.5 percent to K5,619 per litre from K6,209, while diesel drops by 5.7 percent to K6,306 from K6,687. Kerosene prices have also been reduced.
MERA Board Chairperson Lucas Kondowe said the adjustment follows a decline in average Free on Board prices since the last review on May 8, 2026, with all three fuel products qualifying for a reduction under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism.
But the in an interview, Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) Executive Director Namiwa dismissed the cuts as insignificant.
“This reduction is a mockery to the plight of Malawians. In a space of three months they increased prices by an average of 75 percent. In all fairness they cannot reduce by a maximum of 9 percent only. This is too little to make a meaningful impact on the high cost of living that has pushed millions into dehumanising poverty,” said Namiwa.
He argued that fuel prices should be between K4,500 and K5,000 per litre, saying the current levels continue to squeeze households and businesses.
Namiwa also called for government to reverse the January increase in Road and Malawi Rural Electrification levies and scrap the K350 under-recovery charge, arguing that the extra costs are keeping pump prices unnecessarily high.
