By Edwin Mauluka

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Simplex Chithyola Banda, has called on the government to outline measures to cushion Malawians from the impact of the recent fuel price hike, warning of a likely surge in the cost of living.

Chithyola was reacting to Wednesday’s announcement by the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) increasing pump prices for petrol, diesel, kerosene and Airfield Jet A-1.

“Yesterday Malawians woke up to very shocking news of increased house rentals. Today, First Deputy Speaker, fuel prices have gone up by about 35 percent,” he said, rising on a matter of national importance in Parliament.

He said the opposition expects the government to issue a ministerial statement through the relevant ministry, outlining how it plans to cushion citizens from the impact of the increase.

“We understand that this will have a direct bearing on the cost of living, as it will lead to skyrocketing prices of basic commodities,” Chithyola added.

The new pump price for petrol has risen from MWK4,965 to MWK6,672, representing a 34 percent increase, while diesel has increased from MWK4,945 to MWK6,687, a 35 percent rise. Kerosene has jumped sharply from MWK3,200 to MWK5,824, marking an 82 percent increase.

Airfield Jet A-1 prices have also been adjusted upwards. At Kamuzu International Airport, prices have risen from MWK3,046 to MWK5,439, a 79 percent increase. At Bakili Muluzi International Airport (formerly Chileka), prices have moved from MWK2,993 to MWK5,423, representing an 81 percent increase.

Responding to the concerns, Leader of the House Jappie Mhango said he had taken note of the issue and would engage the relevant minister to present government’s position.

Meanwhile, MCP Chief Whip and Dedza Mlunduni MP Moses Kumkuyu described the price increase as a “crisis” and urged the government to act with urgency. He called for the matter to be tabled through a supplementary order paper to allow for a full explanation and assurances from authorities.

“What is happening out there is a cause for distress to the people. If we fail to act with urgency, then we are not representing them,” Kumkuyu said, warning that the decision to raise fuel prices was akin to “playing with a bomb in front of children.”

However, First Deputy Speaker Victor Musowa cautioned Kumkuyu against suggesting that the Leader of the House was not taking the matter seriously.

“He has shown seriousness by indicating that he will take this up today,” Musowa said, adding that members of the House should also strive to offer solutions when raising such concerns.

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