The Namibian Government has moved to cushion consumers from the impact of rising global fuel prices, announcing a series of intervention measures aimed at maintaining stability and affordability in the domestic market.
Speaking during the April 2026 Fuel Price Review briefing, Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse reassured the nation that while international pressures continue to drive costs upward, government remains committed to protecting citizens from excessive financial strain.
The announcement comes as the latest fuel price adjustments take effect this week, following sharply rising global oil prices during March 2026.
These increases have been driven largely by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including developments involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Concerns over key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz have further contributed to global market instability and higher crude oil costs.
According to the ministry, the average price of petrol rose to approximately US$124.92 per barrel during the review period, marking a significant increase from February levels. Diesel prices saw even sharper increases, exceeding 120 percent in global market fluctuations. At the same time, the weakening of the Namibian dollar against the US dollar has further pushed up the cost of fuel imports. Despite these pressures, Amutse emphasised that Namibia’s fuel supply remains secure. The country currently holds sufficient petrol and diesel stocks to meet national demand for up to two months, with no disruptions reported in the supply chain. He urged the public to remain calm and avoid panic buying or unsafe fuel storage practices, stressing that the challenge remains price-related rather than supply-related. To cushion consumers, Cabinet has approved a 50 percent reduction in fuel levies for a three-month period from April to June 2026. This intervention is intended to soften the impact of rising international prices and limit the burden passed on to motorists. In addition, government will absorb a substantial portion of under-recovery costs through the National Energy Fund, estimated at around N$500 million.
This means that the full increase in fuel import costs has not been fully passed on to consumers at the pump. Amutse said the objective is to smooth price volatility and ensure stability in domestic fuel pricing, using the National Energy Fund to balance fluctuations through a cumulative pricing mechanism. Despite these interventions, fuel prices have increased as of 1 April 2026. Petrol has risen by N$2.50 per litre, while both diesel variants have increased by N$4.00 per litre. In Walvis Bay, petrol now retails at N$22.08 per litre and diesel at N$23.63 per litre, with inland prices adjusted accordingly. Amutse reiterated that government’s actions reflect a deliberate effort to balance global market realities with the need to safeguard Namibian consumers. He said government will continue to monitor global developments and implement necessary measures to protect national energy security.
The minister also cautioned against the illegal resale of fuel and unsafe storage practices, noting that petroleum products are hazardous substances requiring strict compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Eileen van der Schyff
