“Minibus Owners Taking Advantage of Us,” Passenger Cry Foul
Published on October 14, 2025 at 2:55 PM by Evance Kapito
Commuters across the country have expressed concern over the sudden increase in minibus fares, which have reportedly gone up by between 50 and 100 percent a rise far beyond the recent fuel price adjustments.
It has been reported that some minibus depots in Limbe, Blantyre, passengers described the situation as “unfair” and “exploitative.” One passenger, Lonjezo Kadethe, said fares to Liwonde in Machinga have jumped from K10,000 or K12,000 to as high as K16,000.
“It’s too much. Fuel prices haven’t doubled, but minibus fares have. We are suffering,” lamented Kadethe.
Secretary General for the Minibus Owners Association of Malawi (MOAM), Coxley Kamange, confirmed that discussions are underway with the Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) to review fare regulations in the country.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA), John Kapito, has accused some minibus operators of taking advantage of the fuel hike to exploit passengers.
“Minibus owners are using the fuel increase as an excuse to overcharge passengers, and that’s a violation of consumer rights,” Kapito said.
“It’s time for Malawians to speak out against these unfair practices.”
The government has yet to comment on the issue, but many commuters are calling for authorities to intervene and ensure that fare adjustments are made fairly and transparently.
MBC Digital
