Malawi Increases Fuel Prices – 1 Litre Now Costs US$3.85

Malawi Increases Fuel Prices – 1 Litre Now Costs US$3.85 – The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has announced a significant increase in fuel prices, citing rising import costs and disruptions to global supply routes.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lilongwe on Wednesday, Acting Chief Executive Officer Dan Chinthambi said the new prices took effect immediately.

Following the adjustment, petrol is now selling at 73.93 Zambian Kwacha (approximately US$3.85) per litre, while diesel has risen to 74.09 Zambian Kwacha per litre.

Chinthambi outlined the scale of the increases, stating:

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“Following the adjustment, petrol has increased by 34 percent, rising from K4,965 to K6,672 per litre, while diesel has gone up by 35 percent, from K4,945 to K6,687 per litre.”

He further noted that aviation fuel has also been heavily impacted by global market pressures. Prices of Jet A1 have surged significantly at Kamuzu International Airport and Chileka International Airport.

According to MERA, jet fuel prices have increased by approximately 79 percent at Kamuzu International Airport and around 81 percent at Chileka International Airport.

Paraffin has also recorded a steep rise. Chinthambi said:

“Paraffin has also gone up from K3,200 to K5,824 per litre, representing an increase of 82 percent.”

The authority attributed the sharp increases to disruptions in key maritime transport routes used by Malawi to import fuel, resulting in intensified competition for limited global supplies.

In a statement, MERA explained:

“The main water transportation routes used to import fuel have been affected, resulting in a scramble for available supplies.”

Chinthambi added that the price adjustments are in line with Malawi’s automatic pricing mechanism, which is designed to ensure continued availability of fuel on the domestic market.

“The adjustments are necessary to balance import costs with local pump prices while maintaining a steady supply,” he said.

Despite the increases, MERA has assured the public that the situation is temporary and that prices may be reviewed downward once global market conditions stabilise.

The last fuel price review in Malawi was conducted on January 20, 2026.