The National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma) says it is yet to conclude a contract with fuel suppliers in the country, over 5 months since the contract was advertised.

Nocma halted the awarding of the contract following revelations that there was political and unprofessional interference from interested parties.

Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Corporations and State Enterprises in Lilongwe, the Company says it has cleared out the matter and it is following proper procedures.

Speaking to Yoneco FM, the Committee`s Chairperson Isaac Kaneka said members of the Committee are convinced with the responses Nocma officials have relayed to the Committee.

“I understand that when they floated the tender in the paper, there were a lot of people who went there and some were trying to impose themselves that they should have the contract.

“But they had to put their foot on the ground and say no, we have to do this professionally, that’s why it’s almost four to five months now, the contract hasn’t yet been concluded and we are very much convinced,” said Kaneka.

The Committee has also pledged to assist the Company in following up on debt collection which some companies owe Nocma.

Nocma, which is wholly owned by Malawi Government, is mandated to manage Malawi`s strategic fuel reserve facility, promoting competition in the oil and gas industry and also promoting oil and gas exploring activities.