The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has noted with concern that most Liquid Fuels and Gas (LFG) transportation operators are operating with an expired or without an LFG transportation licence.

All LFG transportation licensees are hereby reminded to renew their licences for the year 2026/2027 and clear any outstanding fees by 15 July 2026. Failure to renew, settle outstanding fees, or comply with all regulatory requirements by this date may result in the recovery of unpaid fees with interest, the imposition of monetary administrative penalties, and/or revocation of the licence without exception or recourse.  A list of valid transportation licensees can be accessed from the MERA website: www.mera.mw/regulatedentities and shall be published in the media after 15 July 2026.

All other LFG licensees are hereby directed to only engage transporters that hold a valid LFG transportation licence for transportation of liquid fuels and gas. Failure to comply with this directive shall result in appropriate regulatory action on the respective licensee.

LFG Transportation operators are further reminded that it is against the law to operate in the Energy sector without a valid licence. Operating without a valid licence is an offence whose punishment upon conviction is a fine of MWK50 million and imprisonment for ten years in line with the Energy Laws.

This notice therefore serves as a formal WARNING to all persons who are establishing, operating, carrying on, or otherwise involved in LFG transportation in Malawi without a licence issued by the Authority, contrary to section 28 of the Energy Regulation Act. Under section 28 of the  Act, any person who contravenes this prohibition commits an offence. All such persons are hereby warned and directed to apply for and obtain a transportation licence and to comply fully with the law, by 15 July 2026. Any person who fails to comply by 15 July 2026 will be ordered to cease operations, and the Authority will pursue any other available legal remedies, including prosecution under the Energy Laws.

 

 

The Chief Executive Officer

Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority

MERA Complex, City Centre

Private Bag B-496

LILONGWE 3

Email: [email protected]