The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) and the Malawi Police Service have issued a stern warning to all individuals and businesses involved in the illegal storage, transportation, distribution and sale of petroleum and other regulated energy products.
In a joint press statement released on 12 October 2026, the two institutions said anyone found in possession of, storing, transporting, distributing or selling such products without the requisite licences and approvals will face immediate investigation, arrest and prosecution in accordance with the laws of Malawi.
Following the warning, MERA and the Police have intensified joint nationwide enforcement operations against these illegal activities, warning that there will be no tolerance for offenders.
The authorities said illegal fuel and energy product trading endangers lives, threatens property, damages the environment and undermines the integrity of the energy sector, vowing to take decisive action against all violators.
MERA and the Police have further reminded all licensed service stations to strictly adhere to approved fuel handling procedures and safety measures to protect lives and property.
These measures include proper cordoning and barricading of offloading zones during fuel delivery, enforcement of no-smoking and no-naked-flame zones, switching off of vehicle engines, prohibition of mobile phone use in designated areas, and control of customer movement within the forecourt.
The public has been warned not to interfere with, remove, bypass or disregard any cordon, barricade or safety instruction put in place by service station operators, with MERA warning that any person who interferes or behaves disorderly at a service station will face immediate legal enforcement action.
Members of the public have been encouraged to report suspected illegal activities to MERA through mera@mera.mw or Toll-free 4259, or to the Malawi Police Service through official communication channels, as both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding public safety and ensuring that all energy products are traded legally, safely and responsibly.
