Fuel Prices Surge by 41.6% as MERA Announces Major Adjustment

The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has announced a significant hike in fuel pump prices, with an average increase of 41.6 percent effective today, January 19, 2026.

In an official statement signed by MERA Board Chairperson Reckford Kampanje (correcting the name of the current chairperson), the regulator cited shifts in international oil prices and exchange rate fluctuations as the primary drivers behind the adjustment.

The new prices represent a sharp rise for both commercial and private transport users:

Petrol: Increased to K4,695 per liter (up from K3,499).
Diesel: Increased to K4,945 per liter (up from K3,500).

Fuel Type	Old Price (MK)	New Price (MK)	Percentage Increase
Petrol	K3,499	K4,695	~34%
Diesel	K3,500	K4,945	~41%

This marks the second fuel price hike within the last five months, placing further strain on an economy already grappling with inflation. Because fuel is a critical input for the logistics sector, the adjustment is expected to trigger an immediate rise in:

Public Transport Fares: Higher operating costs for minibuses and taxis.
Commodity Prices: Increased costs for transporting food and essential goods from rural areas to urban markets.
Production Costs: Higher expenses for industries relying on diesel-powered generators.

MERA has urged stakeholders to comply with the new pricing and reminded the public that these adjustments are necessary to ensure the continued availability of fuel on the local market.

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