For non-compliance with rules and regulations, the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) announced that it shut down 32 filling stations, as revealed by Mera Chief Executive Officer, Collins Magalasi.

The development follows after Mera made strategies to combat illegal fuel vending. Mera Public Relations Officer, Patrick Maulidi, emphasized that illegal fuel vending is very harmful, considering that it can destroy lives and property. “It is only Mera that certifies people to sell fuel. We, therefore, regulate the procurement process, transportation and selling up ro the end user where within the process, if anything happens, the board is responsible.” Mera also involved the Police in the strategies, as Mchinji Police Station Officer, Joyce Mazalo, said that the police will also take its role in getting rid of the businesses.

Earlier this year, the Legal Affairs Committee also urged the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining to review laws and regulations for construction of filling stations in Malawi. The committee observed that filling stations that are newly built or still under construction, they are close to people’s properties, which goes against Mera guidelines. Fuel tank drivers have also caught the attention of the Legal Affairs Committee, as the drivers are noted to be parking in wrong places, therefore endangering people’s lives. Parliament will discuss these matters during their annual budget review meeting.