A stand-off has ensued between the National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma) and tanker drivers over fuel measuring system, forcing the drivers to start boycotting offloading fuel at the designated fuel reserves.
Bulk Vehicle Operators Trade Union chairperson Boko Mkandawire told The Nation yesterday that they started the boycott on Tuesday this week, protesting the use of digital meters in measuring fuel volumes that they deliver.
“Whenever the digital meter is in use, drivers incur losses of up to 500 litres per trip. Truck owners pass the losses on to drivers, but when we were using the analog system, the losses were minimal and sometimes no losses were incurred.
“Last year we engaged Nocma on the same matter, following that, in December they stopped using the digital metering system, but have reverted to digital without informing us, so we are protesting that,” he said.
According to Mkandawire, his union has a membership of about 890 drivers.
Nocma deputy chief executive officer Micklas Reuben confirmed that the drivers were boycotting offloading of fuel, but said the two sides were negotiating to find a solution.
He said Nocma abides by Malawi Bureau Standards (MBS) standards and recently calibrated the digital meters in the presence of the bureau, drivers’ representatives and the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority.
Said Reuben in an interview yesterday: “The analog meter has a problem with the air separator and engineers are in the process of procuring another one. They have been insisting on using an analog meter even though it has a problem.
“We believe drivers are core to our operations, we will continue to discuss with them and we need to discuss how to manage operations onwards. And we are going to find the solution.”
Reuben has since assured the nation that the stand-off will not affect fuel supply in the country.
On its part, Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL), which also imports fuel, said it has no problems relating to drivers or measurements, but acknowledged that meters can malfunction sometimes.
“We do not have issues, we are just okay. The meters have to be calibrated. We engage the Malawi Bureau of Standards. If there is a problem, it is only them that can tell,” said PIL general manager Martin Msimuko.
Last week, Chief Secretary to Government Justin Saidi said the country had a 15-day fuel cover—the first time in five years.
In the 2026/27 fiscal year, Nocma seeks to import about 412 000 metric tons (about 412 million litres) of petroleum products of the total needed fuel.
