Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Moses Pakote

Also known as: Pakote

Business

Fuel panic buying surges ahead of April price increases

The News

Motorists queued at service stations across Namibia yesterday to fill up before fuel prices rise by N$2.50 per litre for petrol and N$4 per litre for diesel on 1 April, prompting panic buying, hoarding, and complaints that wholesalers are withholding contracted supplies to profit from higher prices. The government says sufficient stocks exist and has reduced levies by 50%, but restrictions on bulk purchases by retailers like Agra are disrupting farming operations.

2 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 2 April

  1. Fuel panic buying surges ahead of April price increases

    Motorists queued at service stations across Namibia yesterday to fill up before fuel prices rise by N$2.50 per litre for petrol and N$4 per litre for diesel on 1 April, prompting panic buying, hoarding, and complaints that wholesalers are withholding contracted supplies to profit from higher prices. The government says sufficient stocks exist and has reduced levies by 50%, but restrictions on bulk purchases by retailers like Agra are disrupting farming operations.

    2 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Mines ministry charts 2025–30 strategy on local content and industrialisation

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy unveiled a five-year strategic plan targeting local content development, capacity building, and value addition in mining and green industries. The plan aims to reposition the ministry as a driver of industrialisation while supporting sustainable resource management, renewable energy, and investment in micro, small and medium enterprises.

    2 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 31 March

  1. MIME reveals five-year plan for mineral value-addition

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy unveiled a 2025/26–2029/30 strategic plan to transform Namibia from a raw commodity exporter into a value-driven industrial economy, prioritising local content, beneficiation, and capacity-building in mining and green industries. The strategy aims to develop domestic processing capabilities for minerals including uranium, diamonds, and rare earths, supported by an Industrial Upgrading and Modernisation Programme for small enterprises, while balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.

    31 March 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 26 March

  1. Analysts warn against panic buying amid global fuel supply fears

    Global conflict and shipping disruptions threaten fuel supply and prices, prompting analysts and government officials to warn Namibians against panic buying and illegal fuel storage, which could create fire hazards, environmental damage and market distortions. Namibia is particularly vulnerable as it imports all refined petroleum products, and rising fuel costs are expected to increase transport, food and operating costs across the economy.

    26 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 23 March

  1. Namibia denies fuel shortage despite global oil tensions

    The Namibian government has reassured the public that domestic fuel supply remains stable and sufficient amid rising global oil prices, citing the National Oil Storage Facility at Walvis Bay (capacity 75 million litres, three months' reserves) and mandatory 30-day reserves held by fuel companies as key buffers against global disruptions.

    23 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Government assures public of adequate fuel supply amid global oil concerns

    Namibia's government has dismissed circulating reports of fuel shortages, stating the country has sufficient supplies to meet demand in the short, medium and long term. The ministry notes that global oil prices have risen above US$100 per barrel due to Middle East tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 12 March

  1. Liquor licences must be renewed by end of March 2026

    The Ministry of Industries has announced that all liquor licences must be renewed and fees paid by 31 March 2026, in accordance with the Liquor Act. Failure to comply will result in licence termination, requiring new applications to be submitted.

    12 March 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 6 March

  1. Ministry regulates fuel quality, combats smuggled Angolan fuel

    Namibia's Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy monitors fuel quality and security through licensing, border enforcement, inspection, sampling, and inter-agency cooperation to prevent smuggled Angolan fuel from entering the retail system. The ministry conducts routine and random sampling at ports, depots, and service stations, and has installed aboveground storage tanks at police stations and arranged waste management with licensed providers to safely handle confiscated illegal fuel.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Fired minister Ithete unpaid four months despite parliament seat

    Former deputy prime minister Natangwe Ithete has not received his parliamentary salary for four months following his October dismissal from Cabinet, reportedly because the National Assembly has not received an official directive confirming his removal from the executive. Officials cite administrative delays, while a political commentator attributes the delay to institutional incompetence in reintegrating him into the parliamentary payroll system.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 4 March

  1. Namibia's fuel regulators face smuggled Angolan fuel challenge

    Namibia's Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy oversees fuel quality through licensing, border enforcement, and inspections, but faces persistent challenges from smuggled Angolan fuel known as 'Ngungula' sold at cheaper prices. The illicit trade has caused fuel retailers in affected northern regions to lose over N$230 million in revenue since 2016 and risks consumer safety through substandard fuel and environmental hazards.

    4 March 2026 · New Era →

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