Fuel Prices Up In Malawi

Fuel prices have been revised upwards effective 22nd November, 2018 in Malawi.

This is according to a press release from Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority MERA.

Board chairperson of MERA Dr Joseph Bvumbwe says price of petrol is now K990.30 from K932.50, diesel K990.40 from K935.60 and paraffin at K785.00 from K755.30.

Bvumbwe said MERA considered recent trends in the world petroleum products prices and changes in other macroeconomic fundamentals in the local market and their impact on energy prices.

“In October 2018 average prices of diesel and paraffin increased while of petrol; declined as compared to the averages in September. Since the last review in July the Malawi kwacha has depreciated therefore MERA considered these factors to revise the fuel prices,” Bvumbwe explained.

Meanwhile, Members of Parliament have quizzed Transport and Public Works to explain the issues surrounding the increased fuel prices.

Standing on a point of order, Member of Parliament for Kasungu west asked the Minister to clarify the upward revision of the prices although they have gone down globally.

Responding to the request, Speaker Richard Msowoya ruled the member out of order.

“Honorable member your out of order because the question is not in line with the business of the day,” Msowoya said

Another MP asked the Minister to respond to the same question which he said was very critical.

However, Speaker asked the members to follow right procedures if their questions are to be answered.

“Please write to the office of the speaker as per standing orders of the House, so that government side is notified to provide answers,” added Msowoya

As the house was suspended for tea break, Msowoya said Member of Parliament for Kasungu West will be given a chance to ask the responsible minister to explain matters surrounding the increase in fuel prices at the end of question time today.

Member of Parliament for Rumphi East Kamlepo Kalua asked the minister of Defense to explain what led to the death of 6 Malawian soldiers under peacekeeping mission in Democratic Republic of Congo.

The speaker also ruled him out of order.

Member of Parliament for Likoma Island asked the Ministry of Transport and Public Works when the construction of Likoma jetty will begin.

In response, Minister responsible Jappie Mhango said the works will start soon as a contractor has been identified.

In the afternoon session of parliament, the MPs took to task Minister of Finance and Economic Planning over the fuel upward adjustment.

Taking turns, Member of Parliament for Machinga Likwenu asked why such adjustments are made without notice.

In response, Gondwe said there is some information that should not be publicized because of unscrupulous individuals.”

“The advice should never be given to government saying not all that is applicable in other countries is right,” Gondwe said