By Linda Kwanjana
A snap survey in the Capital City Lilongwe has revealed that the availability of fuel especially petrol has improved.
A visit at Total , filling stations , petroda and most Puma gas station had all had sufficient stock.
Some motorists in Lilongwe have commended Government for the development saying by paying the balances to fuel suppliers they hoped the situation will continue like this.
Meanwhile, Political , Governance and economic commentator Dr Ben Dzolowere ,has hailed Government for normalising fuel situation.
Dr Dzolowere said fuel is very important for the growth of our economy.
Few days ago, Dr Dzolowere condemned overgrowing tendencies by dishonest gas station owners have been doing in hoarding fuel in order to sell the product at an adjusted price to some advantaged groups.
Speaking in an exclusive interview following the news that some filling stations especially those belonging to members of the opposition are deliberately hoarding the product as one way of frustrating Government effort.
This is what Dr Dzolowere said:
“Hoarding is commonly criticized for creating shortages of goods in the real economy. It is possible for hoarding to create a cycle of speculation, self-fulfilling prophecies, and inflation. If several wealthy individuals start hoarding fuel, sugar, prices will begin to increase.
He gave an example of what happened in Zambia where the International Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) applauded the decision taken by the Zambia Competition Commission’s (ZCC) to probe the extent to which Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) were engaged in the alleged hoarding of fuel.
He said there was recent speculation that OMCs was hoarding fuel on cheaper days to make more money from consumers when prices increase.
There have been long queues of motorists at filling stations where fuel was made available due to the recent shortage that hit the country.
CUTS-International felt that a major drive to curb fuel hoarding and scarcity nationwide needs to be undertaken as this if not checked will greatly lead to consumers being denied a service they need.
He said hoarding of fuel also lead to economic development being stalled as productivity is affected by consumers failing to report for work, as well as machines not being used for production due to non availability of fuel.
Meanwhile, Malawi Energy Regulations Authority (MERA) has warned against the practice.
