Fuel prices in Malawi
The maximum pump prices MERA has set for petrol, diesel and paraffin, how often they change, and what to do when a filling station charges more.
- Petrol: K5,619
- Diesel: K5,863
- Paraffin: K4,389
Quick answer: Fuel prices in Malawi are set by the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA). The latest review took effect on 1 August 2026, just after midnight: petrol K5,619 a litre, diesel K5,863 and paraffin K4,389. These are maximum prices: by law no filling station may sell above them, though it may sell for less. MERA reviews prices every month under its Automatic Pricing Mechanism and changes them only when costs move by more than 5%. If a station overcharges, complain to the station first, then to MERA.
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Fuel prices in Malawi now
Per litre, from 1 August 2026, MERA’s latest review (reported by Malawi Voice). Petrol has stayed at K5,619 since 19 June. MERA’s fuel deliveries update of 10 November 2026 (MERA on Facebook) lists the same maximum prices for petrol and diesel.
- ProductMWK per litre
- PetrolUnchanged in August; down 9.5% from K6,209 on 19 JuneK5,619
- DieselDown 7.02% from K6,306K5,863
- Paraffin (kerosene)Down 8% from K4,771K4,389
- Jet A-1, Kamuzu International AirportDown 6% from K4,870K4,577
- Jet A-1, Bakili Muluzi International AirportDown 5% from K4,733K4,496
Prices are the same maximum across the country. A station can charge less, never more. When MERA announces a new review it applies from the time in the statement, usually just after midnight. MERA also says fuel attendants must not ask for extra payment on top of the pump price.
How fuel prices changed in 2026
Petrol price per litre after each MERA review, with diesel and paraffin in the note.
- ReviewPetrol
- Before 20 January 2026Diesel K3,500 (fixed prices)K3,499
- From 20 January 2026Diesel K4,945; automatic pricing resumedK4,965
- From 1 April 2026Diesel K6,687, paraffin K5,824K6,672
- From 8 May 2026Diesel K6,687, paraffin K5,710K6,209
- From 19 June 2026Diesel K6,306, paraffin K4,771K5,619
- From 1 August 2026Diesel K5,863, paraffin K4,389K5,619
In January MERA went back to its Automatic Pricing Mechanism after three years of fixed prices that, it said, left importers with losses, short supplies and unpaid road and rural electrification levies (January notice). Petrol and diesel rose about 41% overnight.
On 1 April prices rose again after the conflict around the Strait of Hormuz pushed up world oil prices (April review). In May petrol and paraffin came down, while diesel was held by the Price Stabilisation Fund (May announcement). Falling world prices brought further cuts: petrol to K5,619 on 19 June (Malawi24), then diesel, paraffin and Jet A-1 on 1 August, with petrol unchanged (Malawi Voice).
- Jan 2026
- +41.9% petrol
- Apr 2026
- Hormuz rise
- Jun 2026
- -9.5% petrol
- Aug 2026
- -7.02% diesel
How MERA sets fuel prices
From MERA’s price statements and its May 2026 announcement.
Every month, MERA’s pricing committee looks at costs
MERA’s Energy Pricing Committee compares the average world price of each product (the Free on Board or FOB price) and the cost of getting it to Malawi: road and rail freight, insurance, handling, losses in transit and the kwacha to dollar rate. Together these make the In-Bond Landed Cost.
Prices move only when costs move by more than 5%
Under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM), a product qualifies for a new price when its landed cost moves outside a band of plus or minus 5%. Inside the band the price stays as it is. That is why Jet A-1 did not change in May 2026.
The Price Stabilisation Fund can soften a rise
When import costs jump, MERA can use the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) to absorb part of the increase. In May 2026 diesel qualified for a 7.56% rise, but the fund kept it at K6,687.
MERA’s board approves and publishes the prices
The board signs a statement with the old price, the new maximum price and the time it starts. MERA posts it on Facebook first and on its price reviews page.
Report a filling station
From MERA’s complaints procedure: go to the station or its company first. MERA is the appeal.
Raise it with the filling station or its oil company
Show the attendant or manager the MERA maximum price. Keep your receipt, any letters or messages, and note who you spoke to and when.
Not solved? Complain to MERA
Call MERA’s toll free line 4259 or the head office on +265 111 774 000 (Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 4.30pm), send a WhatsApp to 0987 009 711, or visit the MERA Complex next to the Civic Offices, City Centre, Lilongwe. A complaint can be spoken or written; an officer writes it down and reads it back to you. MERA’s notices also accept tips through Tip-Offs Anonymous on 847.
Give the details
Your name and contacts, the station and company, the date, what happened, what the station said, and copies of the receipt or other papers. If you complain for someone else, say so in writing.
MERA investigates
MERA may inspect the station and sends your complaint to the company to answer. It aims to resolve complaints within 30 business days and tells you the outcome. If you are still not satisfied you can go to court.
In November 2024 MERA banned filling stations from selling petrol in jerrycans or drums until further notice. Ask MERA before buying petrol in a container.
MERA links
Fuel prices FAQ
What is the price of petrol in Malawi today?
K5,619 a litre, the maximum pump price MERA set from 19 June 2026 and kept in its 1 August review. MERA confirmed it on 10 November 2026.
What is the price of diesel in Malawi?
K5,863 a litre from 1 August 2026, down 7.02% from K6,306.
How much is paraffin a litre?
K4,389 a litre for kerosene (paraffin), from 1 August 2026.
Can a filling station charge more than MERA’s price?
No. MERA’s prices are maximum prices and by law no retailer may sell above them. Report overcharging to MERA on toll free 4259.
How often do fuel prices change in Malawi?
MERA reviews them monthly, but changes a price only when its landed cost moves by more than 5%. In 2026 prices changed in January, April, May, June and August.
Why did fuel prices go up so much in 2026?
In January MERA ended three years of fixed prices and went back to cost-based pricing; in April world oil prices rose after the conflict around the Strait of Hormuz.
Where does MERA announce new fuel prices?
On its Facebook page first, then on mera.mw under energy price reviews and news. Radio and TV usually carry the announcement.
Can I buy petrol in a jerrycan?
MERA banned the sale of petrol in jerrycans or drums at filling stations in November 2024 until further notice. Check with MERA before you try.
Related guides
Sources: Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority: review of the retail prices of petrol and diesel, industrial kerosene and Jet A-1 for May 2026 (board statements of 7 May 2026, posted on MERA’s Facebook page on 8 May 2026); April 2026 price review, January 2026 notice, May 2026 PSF and APM announcement, complaints and handling procedure and the November 2024 container ban on mera.mw. June and August 2026 reviews as reported by Malawi24 and Malawi Voice; prices confirmed in MERA’s fuel deliveries update of 10 November 2026 on Facebook. Checked 11 November 2026. Prices change: check MERA for any review after this date.
