Petrol Line Liveblogging 3!

I understand you all are thrilled to have "Petrol Line Liveblogging" and, thus, are not questioning the reason for the line. Instead you are probably applauding: It's providing reading entertainment! However, as promised, an explanation to the best of my ability, as to why this line exists. Brought to you in bullet form:

• The former president, as noted here, pegged the Malawian kwacha to the American dollar. Because it was not valued correctly, no one wanted the kwacha and international trade ground to a halt. The kwacha is still overvalued and the effects linger.
• Oil is bought and sold on the international market with American dollars. Without access to American dollars, Malawi cannot purchase oil.
• The government sets the price of oil. Because there is always a shortage (demand outstrips supply), it is clear that that price is set too low. Therefore, the price mechanism as a regulator of consumption does not exist.
• What is that price? $10/gallon. Soon to be $13.
• Why not introduce competition and let prices float? The only answer I get is that the owners of the petrol companies (many of whom are politicians) all know each other and would fix prices, thus creating a trust. With many of those owners being politicians, there would be no political will to break up the trust.

I can feel the agitation and anxiety building within me as this petrol experience continues. All components are a nightmare and a fix is not on the horizon.