By Suleman Chitera

Local Transporters Cry Foul Over Multi-Million Kwacha Fuel Deals Awarded to Foreign Truckers

Read this Israeli National Nir Gess Under Fire Over Misleading Claims on Malawian Children’s Heart Surgeries

The ongoing fuel crisis in Malawi has taken a fresh twist after the Transporters Association of Malawi (TAM) accused the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) of favouring foreign transporters in fuel haulage contracts at the expense of local companies.How Malawi’s Gold Is Allegedly Flowing Into Israel Through Smuggling Networks

TAM says the controversial arrangement is not only crippling Malawian transport businesses but is also worsening the country’s foreign exchange crisis at a time when fuel shortages continue to paralyze economic activities nationwide.

TAM spokesperson Frank Banda said authorities are allegedly paying around 13,000 US dollars, approximately K22.7 million, per international truck to transport fuel from Tanzanian ports into Malawi.

Banda argued that the payments being made to foreign transporters are significantly lower than the amounts local transporters demand in Malawi Kwacha for the same services, a development he says has pushed authorities to increasingly rely on foreign companies.NOCMA To Avert Reoccurrence Of Fuel Shortage

According to Banda, the decision is hurting local transport operators who have heavily invested in fuel haulage trucks and logistics infrastructure.

“This situation is affecting local transporters’ businesses in a very serious way. We have Malawian companies with capacity to carry fuel, but they are being sidelined while foreign transporters continue to benefit,” said Banda.

He warned that continued dependence on foreign transporters could further drain Malawi’s already depleted foreign exchange reserves because payments are made in dollars.Buluma Expose Fuel Dirty Deals At Nocma, Implicates MCP Top Politicians

Banda said TAM will continue engaging government authorities to push for reforms aimed at protecting local transporters while ensuring stable fuel supplies across the country.

“We believe empowering local transporters can help the country save foreign exchange and strengthen the economy. Government must strike a balance between fuel availability and protecting local businesses,” he added.Chilima Arrest Is To Divert Malawians On NOCMA, K30 Billion And K170 Billion

However, NOCMA Chief Executive Officer Engineer Emmanuel Matapa has dismissed the allegations, insisting that Malawian transporters are still playing a dominant role in fuel transportation.

Matapa said local transporters are currently hauling the majority of Malawi’s fuel imports from key supply routes through Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Tanzania.Buluma Expose Fuel Dirty Deals At Nocma, Implicates MCP Top Politicians

He maintained that NOCMA remains committed to working with local companies and denied claims that foreign transporters are being given preferential treatment.

The accusations come at a time Malawi is battling a severe fuel crisis that has triggered long queues at filling stations across the country, disrupting transport services, businesses, and daily life for ordinary citizens.Chilima Arrest Is To Divert Malawians On NOCMA, K30 Billion And K170 Billion

Authorities have attributed the fuel shortages to persistent foreign exchange shortages which continue to affect the importation of fuel and other essential commodities.

Economic analysts warn that unless Malawi addresses its forex challenges and supply chain inefficiencies, the fuel crisis could continue to deepen and negatively impact already struggling households and businesses.NOCMA promises improved fuel supply with 19.2 million liters in transit

The standoff between TAM and NOCMA now exposes growing tensions within the fuel supply chain, raising difficult questions about transparency, economic patriotism, and whether Malawian businesses are truly benefiting from government-linked contracts during one of the country’s toughest economic periods.Controversy surrounds fuel deals in Malawi as PPDA rejects NOCMA’s single-sourcing bid