By Burnett Munthali
The price of fuel in Blantyre has soared to an alarming K8,000 per litre on the black market, highlighting the deepening fuel crisis that continues to squeeze Malawians.
As the country grapples with persistent fuel shortages, vendors have taken advantage of the situation by selling petrol at exorbitant prices far beyond the official rate.
In the commercial city of Blantyre, these vendors are now selling a single litre of fuel for as high as K8,000, while those considered slightly more lenient are offering it at K7,000 per litre.
A 5-litre jerrycan, which was once a convenient way to store backup fuel, is now being sold at an astonishing K40,000—far beyond the reach of the average motorist.
Motorists driving private vehicles have not hidden their frustration. Many are reportedly choosing to ignore fuel vendors altogether, often rolling up their windows and driving past without negotiation after hearing the prices.
For these drivers, the current black market prices are simply unaffordable, with many calling them exploitative and unreasonable.
The official pump price of petrol remains at K2,530 per litre, but purchasing it at this rate is now a rare experience for most Malawians, who often have to queue for hours with no guarantee of securing even a few litres.
To buy fuel at an official outlet, one must essentially “sweat” for it—navigating through long lines, uncertainty, and at times, outright disappointment due to erratic supply.
The situation has triggered growing public anger and desperation, with some citizens likening it to a child refusing food—an expression of utter exhaustion and helplessness.
As the black market thrives and formal systems falter, questions are being raised about what measures authorities are taking to restore normal fuel supply and protect consumers from exploitation.
