Employers Consultative Association of Malawi (Ecam) says the 6.93 percent reduction in petrol prices in May is yet to provide relief to households despite government efforts to cushion consumers from rising energy costs.
The Ecam May 2026 Cost of Living Analysis indicates that the cost of transport has remained constant at K140 000.
However, the cost of living analysis shows that the monthly cost of basic needs for an average family of six, including transport, decreased by 0.06 percent to K1.1 million.
Reads the analysis in part: “Food prices went down by an average of 0.12 percent from K698 689 in April 2026 to K697 824 in May 2026.
“On the other hand, the cost of non-food items increased by an average of 0.05 percent from K313 917 in April 2026 to K314 087 in May 2026.”
In May, Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority reduced pump prices of petrol by 6.93 percent, bringing the pump price from K6 672 to K6 209 per litre.
Consumers Association of Malawi executive director John Kapito said in an interview yesterday that high fuel prices have worsened the cost of living crisis.
He said removing fuel levies can help to cushion consumers, the majority of whom are earning below the minimum wage and living below the $3 (about K5 230) international poverty line.
Centre for Social Concern economic governance officer Agness Nyirongo said that over 60 percent of urban spending is already going to food and transport, a situation that requires targeted interventions to alleviate the suffering of many households.
“Government should consider reducing some levies and increasing social cash transfers to cushion vulnerable groups,” she said.
Mera chief executive officer Dad Chinthambi earlier said the slight reduction in petrol price was aimed at protecting consumers.
