By Twink Jones Gadama
The Consumer Association of Malawi (CAMA) has made a surprising call on the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) to increase fuel prices, citing economic realities.
In a statement, CAMA Executive Director John Kapito argued that the current fuel prices are unsustainable and do not reflect the true cost of fuel on the global market.
Kapito noted that maintaining artificially low fuel prices would lead to shortages and other economic challenges.
He urged MERA to consider the long-term effects of subsidized fuel prices and take necessary action to ensure a stable fuel supply.
“We are appealing to MERA to review the fuel prices and consider increasing them.
This will help to reflect the true cost of fuel and ensure a stable supply,” Kapito said.
CAMA’s call comes at a time when Malawians are enjoying relatively low fuel prices, but the organization believes that this is unsustainable.
The increase in fuel prices would lead to higher transportation costs and prices of goods and services, but CAMA argues that this is necessary to ensure economic stability.
MERA has yet to respond to CAMA’s call, but the regulator has maintained that fuel prices are determined by various factors, including global market trends, taxes, and other operational costs.
As the debate on fuel prices continues, consumers are bracing themselves for a potential increase in fuel prices, which would have far-reaching effects on the economy.