MERA Hikes LPG Prices, Raising Concerns About Environmental Impact and Malawi’s Energy Sustainability

Effective October 16, 2024, the price will rise from MWK 3,245 to MWK 3,740 per kilogram.

"

The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA)

Henry Kachaje - MERA CEO

“MERA attributes the increase to the depreciation of the Malawi Kwacha against major currencies. This adjustment is necessary to sustain the viability of the LPG market."

Renewable energy experts argue that the hike could undermine efforts to promote clean energy in Malawi.

"

Scribbled Arrow

“The price increase discourages the adoption of LPG and may push households back to using biomass,” says Kenneth Mtago, a clean energy advocate.

The price hike threatens Malawi’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 7: affordable and clean energy for all by 2030.

Scribbled Underline

Julius Ng’oma, National Coordinator for CISONECC, warns that the price hike could lead to more deforestation as people turn back to firewood and charcoal.

Ng’oma suggests the government consider subsidies for LPG and reallocating funds from the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) to support renewable energy.

Scribbled Underline

Environmental advocates are calling on the government to eliminate the 16.5% VAT on clean energy products to make them more accessible.

Scribbled Underline

Currently, only 18% of Malawi’s population has access to clean and sustainable energy sources, highlighting the need for supportive policies.

Scribbled Underline
Scribbled Underline

February 14, 2020

As stakeholders continue to push for reforms, they question whether Malawi can balance economic pressures with environmental commitments.