Minister of Energy Newton Kambala announced that the government owes fuel suppliers K40 billion, as more bad news follows; local consumers can no longer be cushioned from global changes in fuel prices because the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) has depleted.

Speaking to journalists after Parliament adjourned, Kambala attributed the owed sum to the DPP administration, which he said, reduced fuel prices more than necessary for political expenses. “They did that for political reasons. They thought they would win the hearts of Malawians by reducing the fuel, but Malawians are not foolish. Malawians knew the reduction was political.”

On the other hand, Kambala justified the recent fuel price hike, saying it is in line with moves to align fuel pump prices with international trends, while stating that the price increase Mera announced on Monday is lower than what should have been affected because the government realises the need to protect Malawians.