Consumers are demanding relief on transport and commodity prices, accusing traders and minibus operators of failing to pass on fuel price reduction benefits to the public.
The appeal comes after the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) announced a reduction in fuel pump prices, a move expected to ease transport costs and lower the prices of essential goods.
MERA announced a reduction in fuel prices effective Friday, 19 June 2026, with petrol dropping from K6,209 per litre to K5,619 per litre, while diesel was reduced from K6,687 per litre to K6,306 per litre.
However, commuters say there has been little to no change in minibus fares, while prices of basic commodities in markets remain largely unchanged despite the fuel adjustment.
Consumer Association of Malawi (CAMA) Executive Director, John Kapito, says it has become a pattern for prices to rise quickly when fuel goes up, but remain unchanged when fuel comes down.
“There is always a rush to increase prices of goods and minibus fares when fuel prices have been increased,” Kapito said, noting that the same urgency is not seen when prices are reduced.
He has called on traders and transport operators to immediately adjust their prices downward, saying consistent pricing practices are key to restoring public trust.
Kapito has also urged consumers to actively demand reductions, warning that silence only enables continued overcharging.
The appeal comes after the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) announced a reduction in fuel pump prices, a move expected to ease transport costs and lower the prices of essential goods.
MERA announced a reduction in fuel prices effective Friday, 19 June 2026, with petrol dropping from K6,209 per litre to K5,619 per litre, while diesel was reduced from K6,687 per litre to K6,306 per litre.
However, commuters say there has been little to no change in minibus fares, while prices of basic commodities in markets remain largely unchanged despite the fuel adjustment.
Consumer Association of Malawi (CAMA) Executive Director, John Kapito, says it has become a pattern for prices to rise quickly when fuel goes up, but remain unchanged when fuel comes down.
“There is always a rush to increase prices of goods and minibus fares when fuel prices have been increased,” Kapito said, noting that the same urgency is not seen when prices are reduced.
He has called on traders and transport operators to immediately adjust their prices downward, saying consistent pricing practices are key to restoring public trust.
Kapito has also urged consumers to actively demand reductions, warning that silence only enables continued overcharging.
