MERA REVISES FUEL STATION CONSTRUCTION LOCATIONS

The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), in collaboration with the Malawi Roads Authority, has announced a reduction in the required distance between fuel stations from 1 kilometer to 500 meters.

MERA’s Consumer Affairs and Public Relations Manager, Fitina Khonje, confirmed the change during a Southern Region stakeholders’ sensitization meeting on revised standards, requirements, and the application process for fuel station construction licenses. The meeting took place on Thursday in Blantyre.

“We have revised the distance to this minimum to create opportunities for others who wish to enter the business,” Khonje explained.

In addition to the distance adjustment, Khonje revealed that MERA has also reduced the minimum plot size for fuel stations from 3,500 to 2,500 square meters.

In a separate interview, Aubrey Nyanga, Traffic and Road Safety Engineer for the Roads Authority, praised the initiative, stating that it will help alleviate traffic congestion, among other benefits.

MERA is Malawi’s primary energy regulatory body.