MERA Bans Petrol Stations from 24-Hour Operations Amid Fuel Scandal
Published on August 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM by Edgar Naitha
The Malawi Energy Authority (MERA) has banned some petrol stations from operating for 24 hours.
In a statement, the agency said that the affected stations — including Muloza in Chitipa and several others in the Karonga district — are now only allowed to operate from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The statement listed the affected stations as follows:
Muloza-Mount Meru, Muloza-Total, Energem-Chiponde, Namwera-Super Sink, Chiringa-Engen, Chimbiya-Engen, Mkanda-Total, Mwami-Takondwa, Ndaula-Mount Meru, Malirana-Puma, Karonga-Total, Karonga Ipyana-Mount Meru, Karonga-Petroda, Karonga-SIMSO, Kaporo-SIMSO, Chitipa-Puma, Chitipa-Mount Meru, Chitipa Bishop-Mount Meru, Jenda-Mount Meru, Jenda-Engen, Champhira-Engen, Mpherembe-Super Sink, and Ekwendeni-Total.
According to the agency, the measure has been taken to address ongoing fuel shortages, which are being worsened by fraudulent practices such as hoarding fuel and supplying it to unauthorized markets.
Officials warned that owners of petrol stations who fail to comply with the new operating hours risk having their licenses revoked.
Meanwhile, MERA is appealing to citizens to report anyone involved in the illegal sale or concealment of fuel.
