People’s Development Party (PDP) president Kondwani Nankhumwa, has strongly condemned the government for increasing fuel prices, warning that the country will experience deeper economic shocks through what he described as an “onslaught” on ordinary Malawians.
In a press statement released on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, Nankhumwa who is also Member of Parliament for Mulanje Central Constituency says the latest fuel price hike—announced by the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) on 20 January, 2026, will put common Malawians as well as small business operators under unbearable due to the rising cost-of-living.
“In just three months, petrol prices have gone up by about 96 percent, while diesel has increased by roughly 81 percent. This scale and speed of increase are unprecedented and deeply troubling”, Nankhumwa said.
Government through MERA indicated that the fuel hikes are as a result of the government’s move to re-adopt the Automatic fuel pricing mechanism (APM), under which fuel prices are determined by the adjustments of fuel prices on the global market.
On January 20, petrol prices were raised from K3, 499 to K4,965 per litre, while diesel increased from K3,500 to K4,945 per litre, representing an increase of over 41 percent.
“This policy may make sense on paper, but it offers no comfort to Malawians whose incomes are stagnant while the cost of living keeps rising. People are being exposed to the full force of price shocks without protection or cushioning.” Nakhumwa reacted.
He added that the recent 12 % electricity tariff hike by ESCOM has been announced when Malawians are already strained with the economic challenges facing the country, warning that water tariffs may also increase, looking at how government is handling its issues.
Nankhumwa also warned of a possible devaluation of the Malawian kwacha to meet conditions attached to external financing, a move he said would raise import costs and inflation.
“ Within the same three-month period, government has doubled tollgate fees, raised VAT from 16.5 percent to 17.5 percent, introduced PAYE changes that have reduced take-home pay, and borrowed heavily on the domestic market”, This is crowding out the private sector, he said.
According to Nankhumwa, the cumulative effect of these measures is higher transport costs, rising food and commodity prices, shrinking disposable incomes, and businesses struggling to survive under high taxes and expensive capital.
He then urged authorities to review and reduce fuel and electricity prices and engage with all stakeholders including consumers, workers, transporters and businesses to find ways of mitigating the impacts and ensure a balanced approach to economic management.
The recent fuel hike, follows an earlier adjustment on October 1, 2025, shortly after the Democratic Progressive Party led government, assumed office following the September 16 general elections , when petrol was increased from K2,530 to K3,499 per litre and diesel from K2,734 to K3,500 per litre.
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