Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) has maintained prices of fuel despite analysts warning government is sitting on a time bomb.

Government is cushioning the rising fuel prices using price stabilization fund, Mera chairman, Bishop Joseph Bvumbwe said.

“The fuel prices have been rising on the international market but here in Malawi we have not been affected because of the price stabilization fund,” he said.

Some analysts have cautioned the government over the cushioning of the rising fuel prices, saying the prices will balloon when the government fails to cushion the fuel prices.

Government fears failure to cushion the fuel prices would trigger rising fuel prices which would, in turn, push the cost of living up which can cost the party some votes as the country gears for the 2019 election.