Umodzi Party president backs call for fuel price adjustment
In an interview Friday, Kaumba warned of potential fuel shortages if prices remain unadjusted.
LILONGWE, Malawi— Umodzi Party President Thomas Wezzie Kaumba has endorsed a proposal for the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) to adjust fuel pump prices to prevent potential scarcity, writes Mayamiko Phiri.
The call follows recent statements by John Kapito, executive director of the Consumers Association of Malawi, urging MERA to increase fuel prices by at least 30% despite economic hardships faced by many Malawians.
In an interview Friday, Kaumba warned of potential fuel shortages if prices remain unadjusted.
He cited a historical precedent when former President Bingu wa Mutharika rejected a price increase, leading to scarcity.
"Malawians should remember there was a time when MERA wanted to increase fuel prices and the late President Professor Bingu wa Mutharika refused, citing that most Malawians were poor. Soon after, the country faced fuel scarcity," Kaumba said.
He urged President Lazarus Chakwera to address the issue carefully, warning of potential public backlash if shortages occur.
While acknowledging that a fuel price increase would drive up costs of goods and services, Kaumba called for expanded access to National Economic Empowerment Fund loans, increased public works programs, and more beneficiaries for social cash transfers to mitigate the impact.
On Wednesday, opposition members of parliament walked out of the chamber in protest against proposals to increase fuel prices.