Malawi fuel crisis prompts call for workers to work from home

Workers in Malawi could be allowed to work from home if government adopts a proposal by the Parliamentary Committee on Social Welfare aimed at easing the burden of rising transport costs caused by the fuel crisis.

The committee says allowing some workers to work remotely would help them avoid spending more of their income on transport at a time when fares have increased due to fuel shortages.

Committee Chairperson Savel Kafwafwa told MIJ Online that employers should give workers a fair opportunity to work from home where their jobs allow it.

“Workers should be given an opportunity to work from home where possible, because this would help them avoid straining their finances on transport,” Kafwafwa said.

The proposal comes as commuters face increased fares following the continued shortage of fuel across the country.

The Malawi Congress of Trade Unions has also warned that the crisis is putting additional pressure on workers and households already struggling with rising living costs.

MCTU Secretary General Charles Kumchenga says the fuel shortage is disrupting workers’ access to workplaces, while also affecting schools, health facilities, businesses and public institutions.

The union is calling on government to urgently address fuel shortages, curb hoarding and black-market trading, improve fuel distribution and address foreign exchange challenges affecting fuel imports.

Ministry of Energy spokesperson Joan Thaundi Nyirenda, however, says government has engaged banks to prioritise foreign exchange payments for fuel and that increased volumes are being supplied.

She says the situation is expected to stabilise within days.