Yesterday, Malawians went to bed with heavy hearts after hearing disappointing news by the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) that the prices of fuel have gone up following the depreciation of the Malawi Kwacha.
During a press briefing by MERA Authorities in the Capital Lilongwe, it has been announced that the new price of petrol effective midnight, last night, is now at K834.60 per litre from K690.50 per litre representing a 20.87% price increase, diesel is now sold at K826. 40 per litre from K664.80 per litre representing 24.31% price increase and the price of Paraffin has also gone up from K441.70 per litre to K613.20 per litre representing a 38.83% increase.
Minbus Drivers announced the sad development barely hours after President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration hiked fuel prices.
Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) Public Relations Officer, Fitima Khonje has attributed the increase in fuel prices to depreciation of the Kwacha to Dollar and increase in landing costs.
Consumers Association of Malawi Executive Director John Kapito has since described the increase as sad.
Kapito said Malawians are not supposed to be getting such news as they go towards festive season.
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December 17, 2020 Wanangwa Mtawali-Nyasa Times 15 Comments
Vocal consumer rights activist and executive director for Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA), John Kapito, has condemned the increase of petrol, diesel, paraffin and liquid petroleum gas prices–describing the development as a sad moment for consumers.
Fitina Khonje, speaking to journalists after announcing the fuel increase up by 28 percent
John Kapito, speaking to journalists: Sad festive season for consumers
Kapito said this in his immediate reaction to new prices for petroleum products announced Wednesday evening by Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) in the Capital, Lilongwe, at a news conference.
The consumer activist actually attended the news conference in person.
President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration through the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has announced an increase in fuel prices effective tonight.
According to Public Relations Manager for MERA Fitina Khonje petrol has been increased from MK690.50 to K834. 60 representing 20.87%.
Diesel has been increased from MK664. 80 to MK826. 40 representing 24.31% and paraffin from MK441. 70 to MK613. 20 representing (38.83%).
Khonje has attributed the increase to depreciation of the Kwacha to Dollar and increase in Landing costs.
Meanwhile, John Kapito, Consumers Association of Malawi Executive Director has described the increase as sad.
He says Malawians are not supposed to be getting such news as they go towards festive season.
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