Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Simplex Chithyola Banda, has strongly criticized recent government positions on fuel prices and digital policy, describing them as disconnected from the harsh realities facing Malawians.
Speaking in response to a ministerial statement delivered by Energy Minister Jean Mathanga, Chithyola Banda said the government had misrepresented the true impact of the recent fuel price increase.
He argued that Malawi now has the highest fuel prices in the region, currently standing at about $3.80 per litre.
According to Chithyola Banda, the previous price of $2.86 per litre was already unaffordable for many citizens, and the latest hike risks deepening poverty levels nationwide.
“The previous price was already crippling; this increase will devastate Malawians, pushing them further into poverty. I urge the government to reconsider and reduce the pump price to alleviate the suffering of our citizens. The people of Malawi demand relief, not further hardship,” he said.
He further disputed claims made by Mathanga that neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe have higher fuel prices, insisting that the situation on the ground tells a different story.
The opposition leader warned that the increase will negatively affect livelihoods and called on the government to introduce measures to cushion vulnerable citizens.
In a separate interview, Chithyola Banda also turned his attention to digital policy, calling on Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Shadric Namalomba, to engage mobile service providers on reforming data bundle systems.
He proposed a shift from time-based expiry models to usage-based systems, arguing that such reforms would better serve consumers and align Malawi with practices in other countries.
The appeal followed a ministerial statement by Namalomba titled “Forging a Digital Malawi: A Pathway to National Transformation,” which outlined progress in expanding digital access and modernizing public service delivery.
Among the highlights presented, mobile penetration in Malawi has reached approximately 46 percent, indicating growing access to digital services across the country.
Despite acknowledging this progress, Chithyola Banda emphasized the need for policies that directly benefit consumers, particularly in making internet services more affordable and accessible.
