… The report comes amid a global energy crunch sparked by the US-Israeli attacks on Iran in late February and a conflict that has quickly spread across the Middle East. …
… Now, with the Middle East engulfed in the war pitting the United States and Israel against Iran, shipping in the Bab al- Mandab strait is under threat, possibly from Iran’s allies, the Houthi rebels in Yemen. …
… He says with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, they could rise again. The government should continue subsidising the fuel levy to help keep basic goods affordable to all Namibians, and should consider buying fuel from Angola in this desperate time, he says. …
… The Philippines imports 98% of its oil from the Middle East and was the first country to declare a national energy emergency after petrol prices in the country more than doubled after the start of the Iran war. …
… The war in the Middle East, now in its second month, caused a record monthly rise in petrol and diesel prices in the United Kingdom in March, according to data from the Royal Automobile Club, a British auto services company. …
… This fuel price increase has been in relation to the escalating conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the sustained closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has manifested in soaring international oil prices. …
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia will prioritise vehicles transporting essential goods and those in the public transport sector at fuel stations as the country grapples with shortages caused by the war in the Middle East, authorities said on Tuesday. …
Angelique Peake, who leads RMB Namibia's oil and gas practice, said Namibia should leverage its extractive industry—oil, gas, uranium mining, and green hydrogen—to build an industrial hub and create skilled jobs over the coming decades.
Angelique Peake, who leads RMB Namibia's oil and gas practice, said Namibia should leverage its extractive industry—oil, gas, uranium mining, and green hydrogen—to build an industrial hub and create skilled jobs over the coming decades.
The Southern African Development Community has called for urgent regional action to strengthen food security and agricultural resilience, citing threats from global supply chain disruptions, climate change, and livestock diseases. SADC deputy executive secretary Angèle N'Tumba warned that worsening climate shocks and geopolitical conflicts—including the Middle East conflict disrupting fertiliser and fuel supplies—are placing millions at risk of hunger.
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has directed all fuel companies in Namibia to source petrol and diesel exclusively from Vitol between July and September 2026, citing emergency arrangements and the supplier's willingness to waive financial guarantees. Industry sources report that Vitol fuel is often more expensive than competitors', and the appointment has drawn scrutiny over procurement transparency and Vitol's history of allegations regarding substandard fuel supply.
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy announced an emergency fuel supply arrangement with international energy company Vitol covering July to September 2026, stating it protects consumers from further price increases driven by Middle East geopolitical tensions. The government has committed more than N$1 billion to cushion consumers from rising fuel costs and maintain economic stability.
Namibians have yet to experience a significant impact on basic food prices from the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel, despite predictions of rapid food-price rises. Retail data from January to April shows maize meal prices decreased, sunflower cooking oil rose notably, and other staple items recorded mixed results.
Bank of Namibia governor Ebson Uanguta said Namibia's economy faces headwinds from weaker diamond prices, drought and constrained fiscal space, though it is projected to gradually strengthen over the medium term supported by increased uranium production, tourism recovery, and mining and energy investment. He noted that Namibia's strategic importance presents opportunities in oil and gas, renewable energy, and mining, but cautioned that global growth is expected to remain subdued through 2026 and 2027 amid geopolitical tensions and technological shifts.
Rising fuel prices and global supply shocks, driven by conflict around the Strait of Hormuz, are pushing mining companies to rethink operations. Husab mine has introduced a trolley line system that allows trucks to switch from diesel to electricity on steep ramps, reducing fuel consumption and improving efficiency.
The one-month countdown to the 2026 Fifa World Cup begins Monday with a record 48 teams descending on the United States, Canada and Mexico, though soaring ticket prices, political tensions, and conflict in Iran have cast an early shadow over the tournament.
Following the Israel–US joint attack on Iran in February, oil prices rose above US$100 per barrel, with Namibia's government raising fuel prices in April by N$2.50 for petrol and N$4 for diesel. While temporary levy cuts and National Energy Fund subsidies have cushioned consumer impact—absorbing approximately N$500 million in April alone—further food and logistics inflation is expected as second-wave effects reach Namibia.
Namibia's fuel prices increased significantly—petrol by N$1.40 per litre and diesel by N$4.63 per litre effective today—due to conflict around the Strait of Hormuz driving up international oil prices. The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy assured the public that sufficient fuel stocks are available for the next three months and prohibits panic buying to ensure stable supply.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has approved a 15% increase in taxi and bus fares, raising taxi fares from N$13.00 to N$15.00 effective 18 May 2026, in response to rising fuel prices and operational costs cited by transport operators.
Namibia's Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy announced fuel price increases effective at midnight: Petrol 95 up by N$1.40 to N$23.48 per litre; Diesel 50 ppm up by N$4.60 to N$28.60 per litre; and Diesel 10 ppm up by N$4.63 to N$28.36 per litre. The government attributed the increases to sustained international oil price rises, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Namibia's dependence on imported refined petroleum products, rising freight and shipping costs, exchange rate fluctuations, and higher insurance and fuel procurement premiums.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow sea passage between Iran and Oman connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, is a critical global shipping route; geopolitical tensions there, particularly between the US and Iran, can disrupt maritime traffic and affect countries far away including Namibia.
House Democrats led by Arizona Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari introduced six articles of impeachment against Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth on Wednesday, accusing him of waging war on Iran without congressional approval and committing war crimes including attacks on civilians and a girls' school in Minab, Iran. The impeachment has slim chances of passing due to the Republican majority in the House.
US president Donald Trump ordered a blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of an oil shock by threatening supplies particularly to Asia. The blockade follows recent US-Israel military action and threatens to disrupt Iran's crude exports at a time when shipments have been helping ease global market pressure, with oil prices already jumping 8% in response to the announcement.
Meatco has begun slaughtering and processing Wagyu cattle at its facilities, strengthening Namibia's position in premium global beef markets. The company is also in talks with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa to finance turnaround projects including revival of small stock and cannery operations.
Pope Leo told reporters he has "no fear" of the Trump administration and will continue to advocate for peace after Trump attacked him on social media for his stance on Iran, calling him "weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy." The pope said his role is to spread the message of the gospel and stand against global conflicts and innocent suffering.
Failed Middle East negotiations between Iran and the United States risk returning energy prices higher, while Namibia's fuel price increases of N$2.50 per litre for petrol and N$4.00 per litre for diesel are expected to trigger inflation across the economy, particularly affecting transport-dependent sectors like agriculture and mining.
Iran and the United States failed to reach a deal on Sunday to end the Middle East conflict, with disagreements over control of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, though both sides have maintained a temporary ceasefire and Pakistan continues to facilitate dialogue.
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.
Renewable energy accounted for nearly half of global power capacity by the end of 2025, with solar and wind driving a record 15.5% annual increase in renewable capacity. Africa's renewable capacity rose by a record 15.9%, but the continent added only 1.6% of global additions, with growth concentrated in Ethiopia, South Africa and Egypt.
Ismail Omar Guelleh, who has ruled Djibouti since 1999, is poised to extend his control of the strategically important Horn of Africa nation in a presidential election widely dismissed as uncompetitive, with the opposition divided and a human rights monitor calling it a "masquerade."
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to address employment creation, housing affordability, fuel prices, and service delivery in today's state of the nation address. Politicians, businesses, civil society, and economists are calling for practical solutions and progress reports on previous commitments, including the 500,000 jobs target and structural economic reforms.
As Trump threatens military action against Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, several Asian countries—including the Philippines, Pakistan, India, and China—have already struck agreements with Tehran to ensure safe passage for their vessels through the critical shipping route. The diplomatic arrangements reflect nations' heavy energy dependence on the Gulf and their preference for negotiation over conflict, though the scope and durability of these agreements remain uncertain.
Rising global gas prices stemming from the Middle East conflict are driving up funeral costs in Britain, particularly cremations which rely heavily on gas, with average funeral costs rising 1.3% since January—outpacing the 0.1% monthly inflation rate and the 3% annual inflation rate.
US President Donald Trump threatened to strike Iran's power plants and bridges if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, after announcing a "miraculous" rescue of a wounded American airman from inside Iran. The escalating conflict has engulfed the Middle East, prompted Iran to largely block the vital oil and gas conduit, and drawn international concern including a papal call for peace.
Rising diesel and energy prices triggered by the Middle East war are hitting British fishermen and fish and chip shop owners, forcing them to absorb higher costs or risk losing customers already facing economic pressures. Industry leaders cite soaring fuel, fish, and fertiliser prices alongside supply disruptions from Ukraine and stricter fishing rules as threats to the sector.
Record fuel price hikes in South Africa, partly driven by Middle East geopolitical tensions, are spurring employers to reconsider rigid return-to-office policies in favour of hybrid and remote work arrangements. Experts warn the crisis compounds financial stress for households and threatens to worsen load-shedding unless authorities intervene substantially.
Namibia is repositioning its foreign policy to compete in a world where economic strength defines global standing, with 69.5% of the International Relations and Trade Ministry's N$1.37 billion budget allocated to foreign missions. Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi warned of emerging "electro state nations" and called for diplomatic missions to act as economic engines protecting national interests amid global instability and competition over critical minerals and technology.
Ethiopia will prioritise vehicles transporting essential goods and public transport at fuel stations as the country faces shortages caused by the Middle East war and Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which much of the world's oil normally passes. The Horn of Africa nation, which imports all its petrol primarily from the Gulf, has seen daily diesel supply fall from 9.2 million litres to 4.5 million litres.