The Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) has slapped Airtel Malawi with a MK2.1 billion fine for engaging in unconscionable conduct in the trade of goods and services.

CFTC Acting Executive Director Apoche Itimu told journalists in Lilongwe that the mobile network giant failed to pay Khethekhethe Bonus to all justified customers who reached the monthly minimum inception of K1, 000.

“If the bonus was being granted in good faith, the Respondent should have been automatically crediting the qualifying customers’ accounts, as had been the trend in the past.

“By failing to promptly pay Khethekhethe Bonus to all deserving consumers who reached the minimum threshold of K1, 000 per month; and consequently forfeiting the same to the company’s advantage, the Respondent acted unreasonably and without conscience,” said Itimu in a statement.

Apart from Airtel Malawi, CFTC has also ordered other 7 companies including Universal Dairy Limited, Mybucks Banking Corporation, Shoprite Trading Limited to pay K500, 000 fine each for unfair trading practices.

CFTC also conducted an investigation on alleged unconscionable conduct by Mount Meru Millers (Malawi), Sunseed Oil Ltd, Moti Oils Malawi Limited and Agri – Value Chain (Avc) Limited.

The investigation followed complaints from the general public that the cooking oil manufacturing companies had been increasing prices of cooking oil without justification.

The investigations established that the increase in price was due increase in exchange rate, freight (shipping) costs, fuel and electricity, minimum wage and re-introduction 16.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on imported crude oil.

According to Itimu, the Commission considered and resolved a total of 29 cases, which included 23 cases of unfair trading practices and 6 cases of anti-competitive business practices.