The Maravi Post

MZUZU--Minibus commuters should be ready to experience irregularity of Minibus fares as it has been confirmed that Minibus Owners Association of Malawi (MOAM) is no longer influential in the setting of Minibus prices in the country. The development has prevailed through the intervention of Competition and Fair Trading Commission.

The commission has argued that minibus is like any other business and there is no need for any association to be dictating its prices while other services are not dictated. The commission also said that irregularities must be there because some minibuses are in good condition while others are in pathetic state.

This means that minibus owners are free to set fares independent of any influence. Speaking with Maravi Post, one of the minibus commuters in Mzuzu said the development has come at a very wrong time considering the fact that the country is also facing erratic supply of fuel. He said when fuel is not available minibus owners who have fuel at that particular time hike fares unreasonably and this move has just added an insult on injury.

“If the commission’s reasoning is anything to go by then they should also make sure that tobacco prices should not be dictated by buyers. It is very unfortunate that the commission did not take into consideration the consequences of the move on the part of the consumers”, said the seemingly angry commuter.

Efforts to speak with the outspoken chairperson of the Consumers Association of Malawi John Kapito proved futile as his phone could not be reached.  

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