The accord was reached after a meeting between TDAM and Ministry of Transport and Public Works in Lilongwe on Tuesday, after a five hour heated debate.

Transport Minister Ralph Jooma told journalists that he happy the issue was resolved after the drivers switched off the engines of 1,000 trucks, threatening to cut off fuel supplies in the country.

Jooma bemoaned the fact that some transporters did not confirm to the requirement of K140,000 wage for fuel tanker drivers, set by the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera).

The drivers –responsible for transporting land-locked Malawi’s exports and imports including fuel, hasd been pushing Government to intervene in their outstanding grievances, especially on salaries with some claiming to go home with K25, 000 every month.

Ahumad Chiwala, an executive member of TDAM, was quoted by local media as saying the issue of their grievances is not new, blaming Government for showing no interest to sort out their concerns.

He said the drivers started voicing their concerns in 2017.

Malawian truck drivers, who are involved in transporting various exports and imports, including fuel and fertilisers, claim they are the least paid in the southern Africa.

Malawi relies heavily on road transport network to access international gateways, including the 2,300 kilometres road to Durban in South Africa, and to Beira and the railway road to Nacala in Mozambique, both about 800 kilometres.

Dar e salaam port in Tanzania handles 15 percent of Malawi’s cargo. It is the longest road network for Malawi.

International haulage fleet compliment Malawi’s transport woes.