The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has reduced the prices of diesel, kerosene and Jet A-1 fuel for August, while keeping the pump2 price of petrol unchanged.
The new prices take effect from 00:01 on 1 August 2026 following MERA’s latest monthly fuel price review conducted under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM).
According to a statement issued on 31 July 2026, the adjustments were approved after the Energy Pricing Committee assessed movements in international fuel prices and landed costs.
MERA said average Free on Board (FOB) prices for petrol, diesel and kerosene have declined on the global market since the last price review on 19 June 2026.
Diesel has been reduced by 7.02 percent from K6,306 to K5,863 per litre, while kerosene has dropped by 8.00 percent from K4,771 to K4,389 per litre. Petrol will remain at K5,619 per litre.
MERA has also lowered the maximum airfield price for Jet A-1 fuel. At Kamuzu International Airport (KIA), the price has been reduced by 6.00 percent from K4,870 to K4,577 per litre. At Bingu International Airport (BMIA), it has fallen by 5.00 percent from K4,733 to K4,496 per litre.
MERA Board Chairperson Lucas Kondowe said the price changes reflect movements in the In-bond Landed Cost (IBLC), which factors in international fuel prices, freight, insurance, railage and other handling costs.
“The Board resolved to revise downwards pump prices of diesel and kerosene, and to maintain the pump price of petrol effective 00:01 on 1 August 2026,” said Kondowe.
He added that the reduction in Jet A-1 landed costs at both airports exceeded the ±5 percent threshold under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism, making the product eligible for a price adjustment.
MERA reminded fuel retailers and aviation fuel suppliers that they are required by law to sell petroleum products at prices that do not exceed the approved maximums.
The Authority said it will continue monitoring developments in the global petroleum market. Kondowe noted that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to influence international oil prices and supply chain costs.
The latest adjustments are expected to provide some relief to motorists, transport operators and the aviation sector, particularly through lower diesel and Jet A-1 prices. MERA said future fuel price reviews will depend on trends in international oil prices and the performance of the Malawi Kwacha against major foreign currencies.
