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Monday, 8 June 2026
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Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Modestus Amutse

Also known as: energy minister Modestus Amutse · Hon. Modestus Amutse · Minister Modestus Amutse · minister of industries, mines and energy Modestus Amutse · Minister Amutse · mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse · Former journalist Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse · Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Modestus Amutse · deputy minister Modestus Amutse · Industries, mines and energy minister · industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse · Mines minister Modestus Amutse

Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, responding to controversy over Vitol's exclusive fuel supply mandate and overseeing mining sector taxation and critical minerals policy.

2024-10-152026-06-08
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. June 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Energy Minister Modestus Amutse chose Swiss commodity trader Vitol to supply Namibia's entire fuel needs from June to August

    Source

    “Last week, Amutse chose Swiss commodity trader Vitol, a company dogged by bribery allegations in several countries, to supply Namibia's entire fuel needs from June to August.”

    Is Amutse Enabling Fuel Capture?

  3. The Namibian

    Amutse handed the country's national fuel supply to Vitol while Nasan's appeal sits on his desk

    Source

    “Yet while the appeal sits on his desk, the minister has handed the country's national fuel supply to Vitol, undermining the very regulator whose decision he is meant to weigh.”

    Is Amutse Enabling Fuel Capture?

  4. The Namibian

    Minister of industries, mines and energy Modestus Amutse clarified in parliament that Vitol is one company

    Source

    “Minister of industries, mines and energy Modestus Amutse clarified in parliament yesterday that Vitol is one company.”

    There’s only one Vitol – Amutse

  5. Informanté

    Modestus Amutse denied claims that Vitol Bahrain was illegally appointed as sole fuel supplier

    Source

    “THE Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy in Namibia, Modestus Amutse, has denied claims that Vitol Bahrain, a company which was given a mandate to be the sole supplier of fuel to Namibia for a period of three months, was illegally appointed.”

    Amutse denies illegality of sole fuel supply mandate given to international company

  6. Informanté

    Modestus Amutse said the deal is expected to save the country about N$1 billion

    Source

    “The Minister of Mines and Energy, Modestus Amutse, in a letter, said that the deal is expected to save the country about N$1 billion, with the deal earmarked to position Vitol as the sole importer and supplier of fuel to petroleum marketing companies in the country.”

    Vitol sole fuel supply deal sparks questions in Parliament

  7. The Namibian

    Minister Modestus Amutse appointed Vitol as Namibia's sole fuel supplier for three months

    Source

    “Hamutenya's name cropped up again over the weekend on social media after minister of industries, mines and energy Modestus Amutse appointed Vitol as Namibia's sole fuel supplier for the next three months.”

    Mathews Hamutenya denies political connections in Namibia fuel deal

  8. The Namibian

    Minister Modestus Amutse announced a supply arrangement with Vitol, saying it would save the government millions

    Source

    “Minister of industries, mines and energy Modestus Amutse announced the supply arrangement with Vitol on Friday, saying the agreement would save the government millions.”

    Opposition demands answers on Vitol oil deal

  9. The Namibian

    Minister Modestus Amutse said the ministry is keeping fuel prices unchanged despite global oil volatility

    Source

    “During a recent press briefing, minister of industries, mines and energy Modestus Amutse said the ministry is keeping fuel prices unchanged despite continued volatility in global oil markets and mounting regional pricing pressures.”

    Govt absorbs N$47.2m loss to maintain fuel prices

  10. The Namibian

    Mines minister Modestus Amutse says the government chose Vitol because it offered to supply all fuel at standard price without extra charges

    Source

    “Mines minister Modestus Amutse says the government has chosen Vitol because it has offered to supply all the country's fuel at the standard price without extra charges or requiring taxpayer support, while other suppliers attached conditions to their offers.”

    Vitol gets exclusivefuel supply deal for 3 months

  11. Windhoek Observer

    Modestus Amutse informed industry players that government made emergency arrangements with Vitol as sole fuel supplier for three months

    Source

    “In a letter dated 21 May 2026 and addressed to the Namibian Oil Industry Association (NOIA), industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse informed industry players that the government had made what it described as emergency arrangements with Vitol, making the global commodity trader the sole supplier of fuel to Namibia for three months.”

    Amutse puts all fuel eggs in Vitol’s basket …Govt burns through N$1bn to keep fuel prices down
Mining & Energy

Energy minister grants Vitol exclusive fuel import mandate

The News

Energy Minister Modestus Amutse granted Swiss commodity trader Vitol an exclusive mandate to supply Namibia's entire fuel needs from June to August under a contract valued at an estimated N$2.4 billion a month, raising concerns about fuel sector capture given Vitol's links to individuals connected to politicians and the decision's apparent circumvention of the Competition Commission's conditions on fuel sourcing.

Why it matters

Exclusive fuel-supply contract to Vitol worth N$2.4 billion monthly raises serious accountability concerns over sector capture and competition process circumvention.

10 hours ago · The Namibian →

Yesterday

  1. Energy minister grants Vitol exclusive fuel import mandate

    Energy Minister Modestus Amutse granted Swiss commodity trader Vitol an exclusive mandate to supply Namibia's entire fuel needs from June to August under a contract valued at an estimated N$2.4 billion a month, raising concerns about fuel sector capture given Vitol's links to individuals connected to politicians and the decision's apparent circumvention of the Competition Commission's conditions on fuel sourcing.

    10 hours ago · The Namibian →

  2. Minister clarifies that Vitol is single entity despite subsidiaries

    International oil trader Vitol, which has been awarded a three-month sole fuel-supplier contract for Namibia, is a single company with multiple operational subsidiaries and offices, according to Minister Modestus Amutse. The clarification was made after confusion arose over which Vitol entity held the tender, with Amutse noting that Vitol has been supplying petroleum products to Namibia for the last six months.

    21 hours ago · The Namibian →

Thursday 4 June

  1. Minister denies illegality of exclusive fuel supply mandate to Vitol

    Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse denied that Vitol Bahrain's appointment as sole fuel supplier to Namibia for three months was illegal, responding to AR leader Job Amupanda's claim that the arrangement violates the Petroleum Products and Energy Act, which requires fuel importers to hold a wholesale licence and be registered in Namibia.

    4 June 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 3 June

  1. Namibia pursues green hydrogen projects despite legal framework gaps

    The National Planning Commission director general said Namibia is ready to move from planning to implementation of green hydrogen projects, despite the absence of dedicated legislation. The government aims to create 30,000 green jobs by 2030 and position Namibia as a low-carbon industry platform for southern Africa.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Vitol sole fuel supply deal draws monopoly concerns in Parliament

    The Independent Patriots for Change has accused the government of monopolistic tendencies after the Minister of Mines and Energy announced Vitol Bahrain E.C. as Namibia's sole supplier of bulk petroleum products from July to September 2026. The three-month deal is expected to save the country about N$1 billion, though the Namibian Competition Commission earlier found Vitol controlled an estimated 75% to 85% of the intra-wholesale fuel market.

    3 June 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Businessman denies political role in Namibia fuel supply deal

    Mathews Hamutenya has denied having political connections to State House or involvement in the government's decision to appoint Vitol as Namibia's sole fuel supplier, though his son recently bought 52 service stations and Hamutenya is a partner in a storage facility with Vitol. The Independent Patriots for Change have linked Hamutenya to what they describe as a "conglomerate at the centre of Namibia's petroleum oil takeover."

    2 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Opposition demands transparency on Vitol fuel supply deal

    The Independent Patriots for Change has called on the energy ministry to explain why it awarded international oil trader Vitol a three-month exclusive fuel supply contract without competitive tender. Shadow minister Rodney Cloete questioned the lack of transparency, the full terms of the agreement including pricing, and cited Vitol's 2020 admission of bribery in three countries.

    2 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 1 June

  1. Government absorbs N$47.2m loss to keep fuel prices unchanged

    The government is absorbing N$47.2 million in fuel losses in June to maintain current fuel prices despite global oil market volatility. The minister of industries, mines and energy said petrol will remain N$23.48 per litre, diesel 50ppm N$28.26, and diesel 10ppm N$28.36 at Walvis Bay pump prices, with prices across the country unchanged.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Vitol awarded three-month exclusive fuel supply deal

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has awarded Vitol an exclusive fuel supply contract for July to September, saying the company's offer to supply fuel at standard price without extra charges or public subsidy distinguished it from other bidders, whose proposals included additional conditions.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. 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 →

Saturday 30 May

  1. Vitol to be Namibia's sole fuel importer July through September

    Namibia's minister of industries, mines and energy announced that fuel company Vitol will be the only fuel importer allowed to import fuel from July to September, after Vitol agreed to supply fuel without additional premiums that have cost the country hundreds of millions of dollars since March.

    30 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 29 May

  1. June fuel prices frozen; government absorbs under-recovery costs

    Minister of industries, mines and energy Modestus Amutse announced fuel prices will not change in June: petrol remains N$23.48 per litre, diesel 50ppm N$28.26, and diesel 10ppm N$28.36 at Walvis Bay pumps. The government will spend N$47.2 million in June under-recoveries through the National Energy Fund to maintain stable consumer prices and protect fuel supply security.

    29 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Ministry keeps fuel prices unchanged for June 2026

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has decided to maintain petrol and diesel pump prices at current levels for June, with petrol at N$23.48 per litre, diesel 50ppm at N$28.26 per litre, and diesel 10ppm at N$28.36 per litre. The ministry said the decision would provide stability for consumers despite global oil market fluctuations and recent price increases in May.

    29 May 2026 · Informanté →

  3. President says development must not erase cultural identity

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said at the opening of the Omaludi Agricultural Festival in Ohangwena that development must not come at the expense of cultural identity. She noted the festival boosts the local economy through accommodation, transport, and informal trade, and announced the government will focus on improving existing agricultural schemes rather than establishing new ones.

    29 May 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 26 May

  1. Mining sector paid N$7.8b in taxes in 2025

    Namibia's mining sector paid N$7.8 billion in taxes to government in 2025, a 39% increase from N$5.6 billion in 2024, driven largely by corporate income tax from gold mining operations. Royalties rose 9% to N$2.5 billion and export levies increased 90% to N$685 million, while the mining sector's real value added contracted 9.4%.

    26 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 21 May

  1. Mines minister to investigate dumped CVs in Karibib

    Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse says his ministry will investigate allegations that CVs submitted by unemployed Namibians to M15 Mining Contractor, a Chinese company working for Osino Resources Corporation in Karibib, were dumped in the open. Amutse described the handling of job seekers' personal information as unacceptable and indicated the Ministry of Labour may also become involved due to both labour and ethical concerns.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 20 May

  1. Swakopmund to host Africa trade conference and expo

    Swakopmund will host the Africa Economic Leadership Council conference and expo from 28 to 30 May to promote domestic investment and intra-African trade opportunities under the theme 'Unpacking the AfCFTA and Access to Markets'. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and African Continental Free Trade Area secretary general Wamkele Mene are expected as guests of honour, with about 100 exhibitors and 200 delegates anticipated.

    20 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 19 May

  1. Nasan Energies appeals NaCC fuel sourcing ban through legal review

    Renthia Kaimbi Nasan Energies has appealed the Namibian Competition Commission's decision blocking the company from sourcing fuel from Vitol and related companies following its acquisition of 52 fuel stations. The company, represented by Ndaitwah Legal Practitioners, argues the conditions are too restrictive and has requested a five-year transitional period to build independent supply arrangements.

    19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 13 May

  1. Namibia seeks value addition in critical minerals, EU partnership

    Minister of mines and energy Modestus Amutse told an EU-Namibia business forum that critical raw materials such as uranium, lithium and graphite should be the foundation for industrialisation and integration into global supply chains, not just extraction for export. He said the government aims to attract long-term investors, skills, and technology transfer while developing local value addition in batteries, renewable energy, and nuclear fuel markets.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Fuel policy confusion enables organised theft and smuggling networks

    Policy uncertainty around fuel drum restrictions has created conditions for organised fuel theft and smuggling, the Windhoek Observer reports. The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy clarified that legitimate bulk purchases by farmers and businesses do not constitute hoarding, but the confusion exposed vulnerability to an informal market around the commodity.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

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 →

  2. Fuel stations now permitted to fill drums with valid justification

    Namibia's Minister of Mines and Energy has revised an earlier directive, now allowing fuel stations to fill drums, cans, and other containers with fuel provided customers offer satisfactory explanation—a change that addresses the needs of farmers and business operators who lack Consumer Installation Certificates.

    12 May 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 11 May

  1. Ministry clarifies fuel drum purchases by farmers, tourism operators

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy said farmers, tourism operators and other businesses buying fuel in drums and jerry cans for operational use should not be viewed as engaging in fuel hoarding or panic buying. The ministry instructed fuel retailers to use discretion and ask for reasonable explanations to distinguish legitimate bulk buyers from those stockpiling, with temporary measures remaining in place for three months.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 10 May

  1. Minister to clarify anti-hoarding fuel directive next day

    The minister of industries, mines and energy said he would clarify a directive issued Thursday that banned service stations from selling fuel in jerry cans or oil drums, after stakeholders in farming and tourism raised concerns. The ministry said the aim was to prevent panic buying, not to prevent legitimate purchases, though the Fuel and Franchise Association noted most Namibian farmers lack the consumer installation certificates required under the directive's exemption.

    10 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Motorists hoarding fuel cost government N$300m extra

    Fuel panic buying in April drove consumption to 125 million litres versus the usual 100 million monthly average, forcing the government to pay N$805 million in subsidies through the National Energy Fund instead of the expected N$500 million. To curb hoarding, service stations have been directed to refuel customer vehicles directly only for the next three months.

    10 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 8 May

  1. Namibia has lowest fuel prices among CMA member states

    Minister of Industries Modestus Amutse stated that Namibia currently has the most affordable fuel pump prices among Common Monetary Area (CMA) member states as of May 2026, with petrol at N$23.38 per litre and diesel at N$29.53 per litre, compared to higher prices in South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

    8 May 2026 · Informanté →

  2. 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 →

  3. Fuel stations restricted to vehicle refueling only for three months

    Industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse announced a temporary ban on refueling containers, drums, and fuel cans at service stations to prevent panic buying and hoarding following a sharp fuel price increase. The restriction will remain in effect for three months, with an exception for those holding a consumer installation certificate.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 7 May

  1. Transport minister to respond urgently to taxi fare increase request

    Transport and works minister Veikko Nekundi says the ministry will respond as a matter of urgency to a request from taxi drivers for a fare increase. Taxi drivers say fares have not increased since 2021 despite multiple fuel price rises, with the current fare remaining N$13 while petrol costs N$22.08 and diesel costs N$23.

    7 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Modestus Amutse — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute