The Government of Malawi has assumed control of fuel importation through the National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma), the ministry revealed.

According to the spokesperson for the Energy Department, Joseph Kalowekamo, Nocma will now be directed to import fuel following the revision of the energy policy by the government.

“As of now, PIL (Petroleum Importers Limited) imports 90% of our fuel. This will change. We will bring in new players in the industry. The National Oil Company will be one of the major importers of fuel in the country,” he said.

Kalowekamo added that the parliament will change legislation by May, so that Nocma is allowed to import fuel aside from its existing core of storing the product.

The government has said that the taking over of imports by the National Oil Company, will ease the fuel shortages being experienced in the country for the past few years.

The Petroleum Importers Limited includes fuel retailers such as Puma Energy, Total, Injena and Petroda, Nyasa Times reports.

Anita Fatunji