The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) is demanding a swift investigation into claims that some top government officials threaten the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) and National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) executives over fuel contracts.

It is said some government officials are allegedly forcing the fuel executives to award contracts to their preferred suppliers.

This is contained in a statement which the (HRDC) issued yesterday on the status of the Tonse Alliance performance in government.

The rights group alleges that the suppliers are demanding to be awarded contracts which will be 50 million dollars more than other suppliers.

The group is further calling for the Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet to stop being the board chairman of NOCMA, EGENCO and Power Market Limited (PML) to avoid conflict of interest.