By Burnett Munthali
The cost of living in Malawi continues to rise sharply, with the latest blow being the soaring price of cooking oil, which has now reached an astonishing MWK 195,000 for a 20-litre container. This increase has sparked widespread frustration among citizens, many of whom are struggling to afford basic necessities due to the country’s worsening economic conditions.
Political activist Comrade Lytone Mangoch took to social media on February 13, 2025, to express his outrage, calling for the resignation of the current leadership. In a strongly worded statement, he reminded the government of its past commitment that if it failed to manage the economy, it would step down.
“Ndiye monga mmene munanena kuti mukalephera mudzapanga resign, nthawi yafika yoti mupange resign ija. Panopa mwalephera pa chilichonse pa utsogoleri wanu,” wrote Mangoch, condemning what he described as the administration’s failure in governance and economic management.
The dramatic rise in cooking oil prices is expected to have a devastating impact on households across the country. Cooking oil is an essential commodity used daily in homes, restaurants, and food businesses. With prices nearly out of reach for many ordinary Malawians, the cost of meals is set to rise, further worsening the already dire situation of food affordability.
Analysts attribute the price hike to several factors, including the depreciation of the Malawian Kwacha, high import costs, and disruptions in the global supply chain. However, critics argue that the government’s failure to implement effective economic policies and control inflation has worsened the situation.
Many Malawians have taken to social media and other platforms to express their frustration, with some accusing the government of being out of touch with the struggles of ordinary citizens. The rising cost of essential goods, including fuel and food, has made life increasingly difficult for the majority of the population, leading to growing calls for urgent government intervention.
So far, there has been no official response from President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration regarding the cooking oil price hike or the calls for resignation. However, pressure continues to mount as citizens demand action to alleviate the economic burden they are facing.
As the cost of living crisis deepens, all eyes are on the government to see whether it will take decisive measures to address the economic challenges or continue to face rising public anger and discontent.
