LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) has criticised the 41 percent fuel price increase announced by the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), describing the move as ill timed and burdensome to ordinary Malawians already grappling with rising living costs.
In a statement signed by NAP Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe and National Coordinator Baxton Nkhoma, the organisation said the fuel price adjustment, which took effect on 20 January 2026, comes barely months after a previous fuel hike and amid several recent tax increases, including Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Value Added Tax (VAT), pension tax, property tax and death benefit tax.
According to the organisation, fuel is a key driver of economic activity, affecting transport, food distribution, access to health services, education and small scale businesses.
NAP warned that the sharp increase is likely to trigger higher prices for essential goods and services, thereby worsening the cost of living for low income households.
While acknowledging the role of the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM) in regulating fuel prices, NAP argued that the mechanism should not be applied rigidly without measures to cushion citizens during periods of economic hardship.
The organisation maintained that Government has the discretion to introduce mitigation measures to protect vulnerable groups.
NAP also questioned the justification that the fuel hike is necessary to prevent fuel shortages, saying the social and economic consequences of higher fuel prices should be carefully considered.
The organisation noted that increases in fuel costs typically translate into higher transport fares and food prices, with disproportionate effects on the poor.
The advocacy group has since called on Government to review the scale and timing of the fuel price increase and consider introducing targeted relief measures, including transport and food price stabilisation initiatives.
It has also urged authorities to reduce non essential public expenditure and reassess the cumulative tax burden on citizens.
NAP further appealed for increased transparency and engagement with civil society in the formulation of energy and economic policies, arguing that inclusive dialogue is key to achieving sustainable and people centred solutions.
The organisation said it remains open to constructive engagement with Government and relevant institutions to promote economic stability and social protection.
