‘Fuel permit suspension could disrupt production’

Manufacturers have warned that the suspension of Essential Users’ Bulk Fuel Purchase Permits can disrupt production and affect the availability of goods on the market.

The manufacturers say this can be the consequence if delays in processing new applications persist.

On October 30, 2026, the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) announced the suspension of the processing, issuance and use of the permits until further notice, citing abuse by some legitimate permit holders and other unscrupulous individuals.

However, the authority announced that all permit users for bulk fuel purchase could still write to Mera requesting the same.

In an interview on Tuesday, Manufacturers Association of Malawi President Gloria Zimba said smaller and medium scale businesses that depend on frequent fuel purchases could face operational challenges.

“Some may not have big enough holding tanks. It means they are purchasing from the supplier or from the filling station a bit more frequently. So, indeed, some of our members have been affected by this announcement,” she said.

She said the situation is critical at a time when frequent electricity blackouts are forcing them to operate diesel or petrol powered generators to sustain production.

She said continued fuel shortages, coupled with unreliable electricity supply, were already forcing some manufacturers to adjust their production schedules and reduce operating shifts to conserve fuel.

Mera Consumer Affairs and Public Relations Manager Fitina Khonje said the suspension was intended to address abuse of the permits and promote equitable access to fuel among consumers.

Khonje said some permit holders had been using their permits to purchase fuel at multiple filling stations, while others were sharing them with colleagues within their organisations.

“Unfortunately, we have to suspend permits across the board because it was not possible to

isolate individual permit holders involved in the malpractice,” Khonje said.