The Consumers Association of Malawi has questioned government over a perceived failure to negotiate for affordable internet charges.

This follows a recent internet charges hike by mobile operators.

There has atleast been a twenty percent rise in packages on offer, a development CAMA says is worrying as government had been promising that tariffs would lower.

In reaction, CAMA, Executive Director John Kapito has said the situation only demonstrates that government had not been able to reach sound agreements with the operators.

According to Kapito, the hike is unfortunate because it comes at a time when Malawians are already grappling with a hight cost of living and rise in prices of essential goods and services.

Kapito says the hike is displeasing as President Lazarus Chakwera and Information Minister Gospel Kazako pledged to ensure that the tariffs are not hiked.

“Consumers are demanding an explanation from the State President and Minister of Information to explain to Malawians why they are witnessing high bundle tariff increases. When the State President was informing Consumers of reduced bundle tariffs it was understood that he will stand by what he said and it created an expectation among Consumers considering the outcry against these ever high mobile bundle tariff increases, “reads part of the statement.