The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) says members of the public may qualify for cash rewards of up to K1.5 million for information that helps authorities recover fuel linked to illegal trading.

In a notice signed by chief executive officer Dad Chinthambi, the regulator said the initiative covers illegal sales, unauthorised storage, fuel diversion and hoarding at depots or filling stations. The amount depends on the type of information and the fuel recovered. MERA says reports about diversion or hoarding at depots and service stations can attract rewards starting at K1.5 million.

A payment is conditional: the information must not already be known to MERA, and verification must lead to fuel being intercepted or recovered, or expose an organised illegal fuel network. The authority says the programme is intended to improve detection and protect consumers.

The announcement follows a joint warning by MERA and the Malawi Police Service about stepped-up enforcement against illegal storage, transport, distribution and sales of petroleum products. The Nation reported that police in Lilongwe recently arrested a businessman and seized fuel and oil suspected to have been stored illegally.

The reward scheme comes as motorists continue to face fuel supply difficulties and long waits at filling stations. The Nation reported that some informal sellers had been charging substantially more than regulated pump prices. Availability and prices may change; consumers should check current official notices for the latest rates.