The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Presidential Spokesperson and National Publicity Secretary Shadric Namalomba has said they have rejected a fuel price hikes proposal by the Committee on Natural Resources and Climate Change in Parliament.
On Wednesday, committee chairperson Werani Chilenga while delivering their report in Parliament, recommended the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) to reasonably adjust fuel prices as a measure for fuel sustainability in the country.
During the deliberations, DPP legislators walked out of Parliament accusing the government side of trying to bulldoze fuel prices adjustments.
In a statement, Namalomba, who is also a member of the committee together with his fellow DPP membersSymon Vuwa Kaunda, Orphan Shaba and Joseph Nomale, said the timing is poor as a lot of Malawians a going through economic problems.
“The current cost of living in Malawi is already unbearable for many. Basic goods such as salt, food, and school fees are already beyond the reach of many Malawians. A further increase in fuel prices will only exacerbate the situation, pushing more people into poverty. As a nation where 7 out of 10 people live in abject poverty, with many unable to earn even MK3500 a day, this is simply unacceptable.
“Transport costs, which are essential for economic growth, will inevitably rise. This means that not only will individuals struggle to afford their daily commute, but businesses will also suffer as they try to keep up with the increased costs.
“On top of that, school fees will also go up, making it harder for parents to provide education for their children. All the while, salaries will remain stagnant, leaving people with less and less to live on. How can we expect our people to survive when their purchasing power is continuously eroded?
“As a country heavily dependent on agriculture, with this sector contributing over 30% of our GDP and employing over 80% of the population, the proposed fuel price increase will have a severe impact on the farming community. The price of fertilizer will skyrocket, with suppliers demanding over MK150,000 for a 50 kg bag. How can our farmers afford this? How will they be able to produce enough food to feed the nation?
The MCP government must find better ways to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply in the country instead of hiding behind price increases. It is time for them to stop their wasteful spending, including the President’s frequent globe- trotting expeditions. Just last week, he spent MK4.5 billion on his travels, and this week, he is headed to China.
“This kind of extravagant spending is unnecessary, and the money saved could go towards subsidizing the cost of fuel. Similarly, the recent MCP convention saw senior ministers spending millions of Kwacha on their campaigns. This kind of reckless spending needs to stop, and the money saved could be used to alleviate the burden on the poor,” he said
Furthermore, Namalomba said the incompetence of the MERA board, responsible for fuel management, cannot be ignored.
“Despite meeting every month, they have failed to implement the automatic fuel price mechanism since November 2022. This is unacceptable, and they must be held accountable for their inaction,” he said
