Parliament’s recent passage of amendments to the Liquid Fuels and Gas (Supply and Distribution) Act has sparked significant concern.
The new law grants the Minister of Energy sweeping powers to appoint fuel import agents under government-to-government (G2G) agreements, bypassing competitive procurement processes.
While the government frames this move as necessary for fuel security, it represents a worrying step backward for transparency, accountability, and competition.
It is important to understand these amendments within the broader context of governance in Malawi. Successive political administrations have cultivated a culture of secrecy, impunity, and disdain for oversight.
The new fuel law further entrenches this culture, placing public resources at greater risk and undermining confidence in government institutions.
The amendments give the Minister carte blanche to select fuel import agents without clear criteria or independent oversight. This extraordinary discretion risks creating a fertile ground for corruption, political patronage, and mismanagement.
The new law has left decision critical to the nation’s fuel supply open to personal and political interests rather than merit or efficiency. More so, when Minister ial position are awarded based on loyalty to the “appointing authority” instead of technical competence in the subject area.
Transpa renc y, already a weak point in Malawi’s governance, will take a major hit. This centralisation of power erodes trust and violates constitutional p r i n c i p l e s t h a t emphasise prudent management of public resources.
Economic analysts also point to the threat to competition. By sidelining the private sector, which has historically ensured efficiency and innovation in fuel supply, the new law paves the way for monopolistic practices.
and competitive practices, the new law entrenches a system that operates behind closed doors.
Despite this setback, there is still an opportunity to push for reforms. Civil society, the media, and international partners must intensify efforts to demand greater transparency and accountability. Public pressure remains a powerful tool for holding leaders to account and pushing for changes that benefit all Malawians.
Parliament must reconsider this law in future sessions. Introducing amendments to restore competitive procurement and ensure ministerial decisions are subject to rigorous oversight would help realign the law with constitutional principles. Robust checks and balances are essential to safeguarding public resources and preventing abuse of power.
Mal awi ans deser ve a government that prioritises their interests, not one that hides behind vague discretion and opaque practices. The new fuel law is a step in the wrong direction, but with collective action, it is possible to restore transparency and rebuild public trust.
