An opinion piece argues that criminalising the "Ngungula trade"—Namibians' importation of subsidised Angolan fuel—punishes economic desperation rather than crime, and proposes a controlled decriminalisation model for border regions that would allow small quantities for personal use while preventing large-scale smuggling and protecting formal retailers.
10 April 2026 · New Era →
Oil prices rebounded sharply and global stock markets fell as investor concerns mounted over the durability of a Middle East ceasefire, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining largely blocked and Israeli strikes on Lebanon killing over 200 people. Analysts warn that oil prices will likely remain elevated and volatile until a more permanent regional agreement is reached, with longer-term impacts on growth and inflation uncertain.
10 April 2026 · New Era →
Calls are mounting for a US-Iran ceasefire to extend to Israel's conflict with Hezbollah after Israeli strikes killed over 200 people in Lebanon, though Israel and the US say Lebanon was not part of the truce, while Iran signals the talks may collapse.
10 April 2026 · New Era →
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the European Union should consider temporarily suspending its strict spending rules if the Iran war and resulting energy shock worsens. Brussels cautioned that such a suspension is only possible if the EU experiences a severe economic crisis, which it said is not currently the case.
10 April 2026 · New Era →
Brent crude prices have swung sharply amid Middle East tensions, with Namibian pump prices at Walvis Bay reaching N$22.08 per litre—just 20 cents below their 2022 all-time high. The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy will set May fuel prices based on developments over the coming two weeks, as vessel traffic through the crucial Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted.
10 April 2026 · The Namibian →