The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has closed Mount MERU Nyambadwe Fuel Service Station located at Nyambadwe in Blantyre for thirty days for selling fuel to customers in jerry cans.
According to a statement issued on Monday, the action follows consumers complaints received on 13 August 2023, MERA verified and confirmed that the Service Station was selling fuel to customers in jerrycanns without authorisation from the energy regulator.
“The Service Station’s conduct undermined equitable distribution and access to fuel. Opening of the Service Station will be subject to satisfactory implementation of measures taken to avoid reoccurrence of the malpractice.
“Consumers are urged to report retailers of petroleum products suspected of engaging in illegal and unscrupulous practices to the nearest Police Station or call toll-free Tip- Offs Anonymous 847 or call MERA on 09 9255 8564 or 09 8906 1870,” reads part of the statement.
On Friday, Police in Lilongwe confiscated over a hundred jerrycans and other containers at various filling stations in the City.
The exercise follows an influx of fuel black-market vendors who are buying the commodity at the filling stations at the expense of rightful motorists, and selling it at exorbitant prices.
