By Burnett Munthali
Fishermen and motorcycle taxi operators on Likoma Island have expressed concern over the escalating fuel crisis that has now reached the remote island.
One of the local kabaza (motorcycle taxi) operators, Steve Lazaro, revealed that the price of fuel has skyrocketed from K5,000 per litre to K8,500, with some unscrupulous traders selling it as high as K10,000 per litre.
He added that due to the hike in fuel prices, transport fares across the island have also increased significantly.
For instance, the fare from Yofu to Jalo has jumped from K3,000 to K5,000, a situation that has not gone down well with passengers, many of whom are now voicing their dissatisfaction.
Commenting on the matter, William Manowa, a fisherman on the island, said he has temporarily stopped going into the lake to fish due to the unstable fuel prices.
He lamented that the situation has disrupted his daily activities and livelihood, as he solely depends on fishing to support himself and his family.
The fuel shortage continues to disrupt the daily life of Likoma Island residents, whose transportation and economic survival heavily rely on access to affordable fuel.
