The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has directed the suspension of allocation of fuel stocks to SIMSO Oil and Transport Company for hoarding over 200,000 litres of petrol at the company’s depot at a time when its Fuel Service Stations were dry.
SIMSO Oil and Transport Company is owned by Bishop Abraham Simama of Glorious Light International Church.
According to a statement by MERA, the company was caught red handed during regulatory inspections of stock levels.
“Following regulatory inspections of stock levels at various depots of Oil Marketing Companies in Lilongwe on 6 August 2025, MERA established that SIMSO Oil and Transport Company was withholding petrol at its depot without any justifiable reason.
“The conduct of SIMSO Oil and Transport Company undermines national efforts to stabilize fuel supply during the ongoing crisis. The company has since been directed to immediately release and distribute the withheld product to its Fuel Service Stations.
“Fuel importers and Oil Marketing Companies are not allowed to allocate any stocks to SIMSO Oil and Transport Company until further notice. MERA would like to thank and request stakeholders and the public for their continued cooperation and support as responsible fuel industry players work tirelessly towards stabilisation of fuel availability,” reads the statement in part
