The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), a corporate body in charge of regulating the energy sector, lowered prices of petroleum products, effective from 5 February. The recommended maximum prices of petrol, diesel and paraffin were set at MWK 696.30, MWK 705.50 and MWK 609.30 per Litre, 8.43, 10.17 and 10.24 percent respectively lower than their previous levels. The downward revision follows the combined effect of lower international oil prices and the recent appreciation of the local currency against the US dollar.