By Rahim Abdul
The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has announced a reduction in fuel prices for petrol, diesel and paraffin following a drop in international petroleum prices.
According to a statement released on June 18, 2026 and signed by MERA Board Chairperson Lucas Kondowe, the decision follows recommendations made by the Energy Pricing Committee after reviewing developments on the global fuel market.
MERA said average Free on Board (FOB) prices for petrol, diesel and paraffin have fallen since the last fuel price review conducted on May 8, 2026, prompting the regulator to adjust local pump prices.
The authority explained that the new prices were calculated using several factors including daily FOB trading prices, transportation costs, rail charges, insurance, handling expenses, in-transit losses, levies and profit margins.
Under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM), all three petroleum products qualified for price reductions after Inbond Landed Costs dropped beyond the prescribed trigger threshold.
Effective midnight of June 19, 2026, motorists will now buy petrol at K5,619 per litre, down from K6,209, representing a 9.5 percent decrease.
Diesel has also been reduced from K6,687 to K6,306 per litre, translating to a 5.7 percent reduction, while paraffin recorded the biggest drop, falling from K5,709 to K4,771 per litre, a decline of 16.43 percent.
The latest adjustment is expected to bring some relief to consumers and businesses that have been grappling with high fuel costs, which have contributed to increased transport fares and commodity prices.
MERA has since reminded all fuel retailers that they are legally required to sell petroleum products at prices not exceeding the approved maximum pump prices.
Meanwhile, the regulator says it will continue monitoring developments on the international petroleum market, noting that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain a key factor affecting global fuel prices and supply chain costs.
