By Twink Jones Gadama
Motorists in Blantyre have formed long queues at filling stations amidst speculations of a pending fuel price hike, despite the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) refuting the rumors.
The queues, which started forming on Tuesday, have caused congestion on the roads, with some motorists expressing frustration over the uncertainty surrounding the fuel prices.
MERA, in a statement released on Wednesday, reiterated that the prices for petroleum products remain unchanged. “The price for Petrol remains at K2,530, Diesel at K2734, and Paraffin K1,910,” the statement read. The authority advised the general public to “disregard any information to the contrary.”
However, the reassurance from MERA has not calmed the nerves of motorists, who are still anxious about a possible fuel price hike.
A few days ago, the Natural Resources and Climate Change Committee of Parliament recommended that MERA increases the fuel price, citing the rising cost of fuel on the international market.
“We are worried that the fuel prices might go up, and we want to fill up our tanks before it’s too late,” said one motorist, who preferred to remain anonymous. “We can’t trust MERA’s statement, given the recommendation from the parliamentary committee.”
The queues at filling stations have also sparked concerns about the availability of fuel in the country. Some motorists have expressed fears that the fuel might run out, given the high demand.
“I’ve been driving around for hours, trying to find a filling station that has fuel,” said another motorist. “It’s frustrating, and I’m worried that I might run out of fuel before I find a station that has some.”
MERA has, however, assured the public that there is enough fuel in the country.
“We have sufficient fuel stocks, and there is no need for panic buying,” the authority said in a statement.
Despite MERA’s reassurance, the queues at filling stations continue to grow, with some motorists spending hours waiting to fill up their tanks.
The situation has also sparked concerns about the impact of a fuel price hike on the economy.
“A fuel price hike will have a ripple effect on the economy, given that fuel is a critical component of production costs,” said an economist. “It will lead to higher prices for goods and services, which will affect the poor and vulnerable the most.”
The government has not commented on the recommendation from the parliamentary committee, but observers say that a fuel price hike is imminent.
“The government will have no choice but to increase the fuel price, given the rising cost of fuel on the international market,” said a political analyst. “However, the government needs to find ways to mitigate the impact of the price hike on the poor and vulnerable.”
As the queues at filling stations continue to grow, motorists are advised to remain calm and avoid panic buying.
MERA has also urged the public to report any filling stations that are hoarding fuel or engaging in other unfair practices.
The speculations surrounding a fuel price hike have sparked long queues at filling stations in Blantyre, despite MERA’s reassurance that the prices remain unchanged.
The situation has sparked concerns about the availability of fuel and the impact of a fuel price hike on the economy.
Motorists are advised to remain calm and avoid panic buying, as the government and MERA work to address the situation.
