NOCMA spokesperson Chisomo Mwamadi has, however, assured Malawians that there is enough fuel in stock and that NOCMA continues to import fuel on a daily basis, dispelling fears that the country may plunge into a fuel crisis.

He added; “We continue to import fuel and release to all marketing companies on a daily basis and this is enough evidence that we have enough fuel stocks in the country.”

Centre for Social Concern Programs Officer Bernard Mphepo has urged NOCMA to seriously look into the matter before things get out of hand, saying it may have a negative impact on the economy.

“The scarcity of fuel will burden the citizens as they will be charged high and also the cost of living will increase due to the situation, hence it has got a lot of economic implications,” Mphepo warned.

Recently, there has been scarcity of fuel in most filling stations of Lilongwe which has affected people’s business, specifically those that depend on fuel to run their business.

There also concerns that some retailers are hoarding the commodity in anticipation for a price increase following the instability of the national currency, the kwacha.

(By Doreen Shamiel Phiri- ZBS)