Mera Offers Rewards for Fuel Whistle-Blowers in Malawi

The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) has introduced a financial reward system for members of the public who provide information leading to the interception or recovery of illegally traded fuel. The scheme, which offers up to K1.5 million, targets illegal fuel trading, product hoarding, unauthorised storage, fuel diversion, and hoarding at depots and service stations. This move aims to improve detection of these activities, deter offenders, and strengthen consumer protection.

Mera's public notice, issued on October 12, states that informants can receive up to K1.5 million for reporting illegal fuel trading and unauthorised storage, depending on the volume of fuel intercepted or recovered. Reports leading to the detection of fuel diversion and hoarding at depots or service stations attract rewards starting from K1.5 million. However, rewards will only be paid where the information was not already known to Mera and, after verification, leads to the interception or recovery of fuel or exposes an organised illegal fuel network.

The initiative follows a joint warning by Mera and the Malawi Police Service on October 12, when the two institutions announced intensified nationwide enforcement operations against the illegal storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of petroleum products. Police have since reported operations targeting suspected illegal fuel dealers. On Friday, Central West Region Police announced the arrest of a 36-year-old businessman, Andrew Mwandira, and the seizure of 1 500 litres of fuel suspected to have been illegally stored at his shop in Lilongwe.

The recovered products comprised 820 litres of diesel and 680 litres of petrol, as well as 175 litres of oil. Mwandira's arrest and the seizure of fuel demonstrate the efforts of the authorities to crack down on illegal fuel trading. The reward scheme comes amid prolonged fuel supply challenges, with motorists continuing to spend long hours at filling stations in search of the commodity.

With erratic supplies persisting for nearly two months, illegal vendors in different parts of the country have also been selling fuel at up to K20 000 per litre, compared with regulated pump prices of K5 619 for petrol and K5 863 for diesel. This has led to a significant increase in the cost of fuel for motorists, making it difficult for them to access the commodity at affordable prices.

Mera's chief executive officer, Dad Chinthambi, signed the public notice, emphasising the authority's commitment to addressing the issue of illegal fuel trading. The reward scheme is part of Mera's efforts to improve the detection of illegal activities and deter offenders. The authority has urged members of the public to report any information on illegal fuel trading and unauthorised storage.

The Malawi Police Service has reported that it will continue to work with Mera to intensify enforcement operations against the illegal storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of petroleum products. The authorities have urged motorists to report any incidents of illegal fuel trading and to purchase fuel from authorised dealers to avoid supporting illegal activities.

Key points

• Mera offers up to K1.5 million for information leading to the interception or recovery of illegally traded fuel.
• The reward scheme targets illegal fuel trading, product hoarding, unauthorised storage, fuel diversion, and hoarding at depots and service stations.
• The initiative follows a joint warning by Mera and the Malawi Police Service on October 12 to intensify enforcement operations against illegal fuel trading.