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Sunday, 6 September 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 6 September 2026
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Namibian press · Place

Middle East

2018-04-062026-09-06

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. March 2026
  2. New Era

    PARIS – For anyone in the import business, the economic risks from the war in the Middle East arrive by sea — and that goes for everyone who buys their products, too.

    Global shipping industry caught crossfire
  3. New Era

    Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have sharply altered the global energy outlook, raising the risk that Namibia’s disinflation trend could soon reverse.

    Looming oil shock clouds domestic inflation outlook
  4. The Namibian

    The US is relocating parts of a missile defence system installed in South Korea to the Middle East, according to officials cited by the Washington Post and South Korean news outlets.

    The US may move its anti-missile system out of South Korea – and it's sparking unease
  5. New Era

    With Namibia’s current fuel reserves estimated to last for three months due to supply disruptions caused by the heated conflict in the Middle East, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare says government is working around the clock to avert a national fuel supply crisis.

    Govt’s strategy to avert fuel crisis … as Middle East conflict rages on
  6. The Namibian

    The airline says the surcharge is intended to cushion it from the impact of rising fuel prices since hostilities began between the United States (US) and Iran, which have created uncertainty around fuel supplies from the Middle East.

    FlySafair adds temporary fuel surcharge amid jet fuel price surge
  7. The Namibian

    This would cause serious fuel supply challenges if tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, he says.“We don’t have the capacity to store large amounts of fuel.

    Massive N$4.50 fuel price hike looms for Namibia
  8. New Era

    The new developments in China-Africa friendship and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as well as China’s commitment to multilateralism and cooperation and a “big year” for engagement with the United States featured prominently as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi took quest

    Opinion –  Key takeaways:  Chinese FM Wang Yi on China-Africa relationship, Middle East and multipolarity
  9. New Era

    I don’t want the war to catch up with me again.” While war sets much of the Middle East alight, just across the waters of the Red Sea, another conflict is looming in the Horn of Africa.

    War fears drive Tigrayans to flee
  10. The Namibian

    FRENCH president Emmanuel Macron yesterday said the G7 will discuss a possible release of strategic oil reserves, as finance ministers of the world’s leading industrialised nations prepare to meet for crisis talks on the Middle East war.

    G7 to discuss releasing strategic oil reserves, Macron says
  11. New Era

    MANAMA – Iran launched fresh strikes on energy installations in the Gulf on yesterday including a petroleum complex in Bahrain, as oil prices soared on fears over supply disruptions due to the Middle East war.

    Iran targets Gulf energy installations as oil prices surge
Business

Fuel prices rise sharply amid Middle East tensions

The News

Namibian fuel prices are set to increase effective 2 September 2026, with ULP95 rising 60 cents per litre and both diesel grades rising N$1.60 per litre, driven by geopolitical volatility and disruptions in global oil markets stemming from Middle East tensions.

31 August 2026 · New Era

Monday 31 August

  1. Fuel prices rise sharply amid Middle East tensions

    Namibian fuel prices are set to increase effective 2 September 2026, with ULP95 rising 60 cents per litre and both diesel grades rising N$1.60 per litre, driven by geopolitical volatility and disruptions in global oil markets stemming from Middle East tensions.

    31 August 2026 · New Era

Friday 28 August

  1. Fuel prices rise in September amid oil volatility and road levies

    Namibia's energy ministry will increase petrol prices by 60 cents per litre to N$25.08 and diesel by N$1.60 per litre effective September 2, citing volatile international oil markets and a 30-cent increase in road user charge levies to fund feeder road projects.

    28 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Petrol and diesel prices increase from September 2026

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has announced fuel price increases effective from midnight 2 September 2026: ULP95 will increase by 60 cents per litre, while Diesel 50ppm and Diesel 10ppm will each increase by 160 cents per litre. The revised pump prices at Walvis Bay will be N$25.08 per litre for Petrol 95, N$27.86 per litre for Diesel 50ppm, and N$27.96 per litre for Diesel 10ppm.

    28 August 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 30 July

  1. Global air cargo demand rises 8.5% in June despite trade risks

    Global air cargo demand increased 8.5% year-on-year in June 2026, outpacing a 4.4% rise in available capacity, according to the International Air Transport Association. Growth was driven by high-value technology shipments and urgent freight across all regions, though IATA cautioned that Middle East conflict and potential US tariff measures pose risks for the second half of 2026.

    30 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Monday 27 July

  1. Namibia imports 96% of fruit, missing economic opportunity

    Namibia imports approximately 96% of the fruit consumed within its borders, almost entirely from South Africa, representing lost jobs, taxes, and processing opportunities that could benefit the domestic economy rather than neighbouring nations.

    27 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. US ambassador says Trump paused Iran attacks for diplomacy

    US ambassador Mike Waltz told Fox News that President Trump has paused attacks on Iran for a second consecutive night to give diplomacy more space, following nearly two weeks of daily strikes and tit-for-tat attacks. An Iranian army spokesperson said Tehran had halted "retaliatory" attacks in response, though Waltz said the president is keeping all options on the table.

    27 July 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 24 July

  1. Houthi attacks in Red Sea threaten maritime trade and escalate Middle East tensions

    Yemen's Houthi fighters have attacked shipping in the Red Sea, forcing vessels to divert from the narrow Bab El Mandeb strait that connects Europe to Asia. The attacks occur amid ongoing US-Iran strikes and fears of a broader regional conflict, with two Saudi vessels hit by missiles this week and the Houthis claiming to have turned back ten others.

    24 July 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 7 July

  1. World Bank appoints Mocci as Namibia country manager

    The World Bank Group has appointed Stefano Mocci as its country manager for Namibia effective 1 July, overseeing the bank group's operations across three institutions and working to support projects aimed at boosting economic growth, creating jobs and improving resilience. Mocci brings more than 20 years of World Bank experience and previously served as country manager for Fiji and the South Pacific and Papua New Guinea.

    7 July 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 2 July

  1. National Energy Fund depleted to N$200–300 million after fuel bailout

    The government spent N$1.3 billion in two months to keep fuel prices low, draining the National Energy Fund to between N$200 million and N$300 million. Heavy spending began in April when international fuel costs rose, with the government paying N$805 million in April and N$490 million in May.

    2 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Government cuts fuel prices, overhauls procurement system

    The government has reduced fuel prices for July after spending N$1.3 billion in relief; petrol drops by N$1.00 per litre and diesel by N$4.00 per litre effective 3 July, attributed to lower international crude oil prices and a stronger Namibian dollar. A coordinated fuel supply arrangement running through September 2026 will eliminate import premiums previously charged above the Basic Fuel Price.

    2 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 1 July

  1. Petrol price falls N$1, diesel drops N$4 from July

    Namibia's fuel prices will decrease effective 3 July 2026: petrol 95 by N$1.00 per litre to N$22.48, and all diesel grades by N$4.00 per litre (diesel 50 ppm to N$24.26, diesel 10 ppm to N$24.36 at Walvis Bay). The Minister of Mines attributed the reductions to softer international oil prices, improved supply chains, and NAD appreciation against the USD.

    1 July 2026 · Informanté

  2. African airlines grow 8.9% despite global aviation slowdown

    African carriers recorded an 8.9% year-on-year increase in passenger demand in May 2026, with capacity rising 8.3% and load factor improving to 73.4%, according to International Air Transport Association data. Global demand contracted by 2.2% over the same period, though the decline was less severe than in previous months.

    1 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Thursday 18 June

  1. Bank of Namibia raises repo rate amid global supply shocks

    The Bank of Namibia's governor reports that the Monetary Policy Committee increased the repo rate by 25 basis points in response to rising inflationary pressures driven by oil infrastructure damage and shipping disruptions from Middle Eastern conflict. As a small open economy, Namibia remains vulnerable to external shocks transmitted through global markets.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian

Saturday 13 June

  1. Petroleum oils topped Namibia's April imports at 18.1%

    Petroleum oils, including diesel and petrol, accounted for 18.1% of Namibia's goods imports in April, the highest share of any product. The country imported goods worth N$14.2 billion but exported only N$9.8 billion, creating a N$4.4 billion trade deficit, with petroleum mainly sourced from Nigeria, Oman and Sweden.

    13 June 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 9 June

  1. Geopolitical tensions complicate Namibia's 2026/27 fiscal targets

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare warns that geopolitical tensions, particularly the Middle East conflict, are exerting pressure on Namibia's economy through higher imported inflation, rising shipping costs, and weaker external demand. Achieving the proposed N$87.9 billion budget outcome will require significant improvements in operational efficiency across government offices, ministries, and agencies.

    9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Finance ministry launches outcome-based budget reform workshop

    Namibia's Ministry of Finance officially launched a budget reform rollout workshop as the government seeks to create outcome-based budget programmes amid growing public debt and narrowing fiscal space. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare stated that the 2026/27 National Budget of N$87.9 billion was tabled against recovering global conditions, but the global environment has since changed due to the ongoing Middle East war; he added that public debt stands at N$174.6 billion (65.2% of GDP) and the government has committed to reducing the fiscal deficit from 5.5% of GDP in 2026/27 to 3.3% by 2028/29.

    9 June 2026 · Informanté

Wednesday 3 June

  1. RMB: Extractive industries can build Namibia's industrial hub

    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.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. SADC warns of region-wide hunger amid supply and climate crises

    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.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 1 June

  1. Government mandates exclusive fuel sourcing from Vitol

    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.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Sunday 31 May

  1. Namibia secures fuel supply without premiums via Vitol

    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.

    31 May 2026 · Informanté

Wednesday 27 May

  1. Namibian food prices show mixed trend despite Iran conflict

    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.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 21 May

  1. BoN governor warns of economic headwinds despite medium-term recovery prospects

    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.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 12 May

  1. Rising diesel costs force mining companies to adopt efficiency innovations

    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.

    12 May 2026 · New Era

Sunday 10 May

  1. 2026 World Cup faces ticket prices, political tensions

    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.

    10 May 2026 · The Namibian

Saturday 9 May

  1. Oil price spike raises concerns about inflation waves

    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.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 8 May

  1. Fuel prices rise sharply amid Middle East tensions

    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.

    8 May 2026 · New Era

Thursday 7 May

  1. Taxi fares rise 15% to N$15.00 from May 2026

    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.

    7 May 2026 · Informanté

  2. Fuel prices rise amid Middle East tensions, import costs

    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.

    7 May 2026 · Informanté

Monday 4 May

  1. Strait of Hormuz tensions affect Namibia's shipping

    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.

    4 May 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 17 April

  1. US House Democrats impeach Pentagon chief Hegseth

    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.

    17 April 2026 · New Era

Middle East — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute