By Rahim Abdul
The Salima First Grade Magistrate Court has convicted and sentenced three individuals for storing petrol without a license.
Fatsani Phiri, Madalitso Zindiwo, and Kaisi Kopiti were found with 14 drums of petrol, each containing 200 liters, at Sengabay boat yard on May 24, 2025.
The court handed down fines of K1,500,000, K700,000, and K700,000 respectively, and ordered the petrol drums to be forfeited to the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA).
If they fail to pay the fines, they will serve 12 months imprisonment with hard labor.
This case highlights the importance of adhering to fuel storage regulations. According to MERA, private fuel storage owners with over 400 liters of fuel must be registered and licensed.
The authority has warned oil marketing companies to only supply fuel to registered and licensed private storage facilities.
MERA’s efforts to enforce regulations aim to prevent illegal fuel trading practices that pose health risks and contribute to fuel shortages in the country.
