Justicia Shipena
Refuelling into containers, drums and fuel cans is prohibited across the country for the next three months.
Industries, mines and energy minister, Modestus Amutse, announced the temporary restriction during a media briefing at the Government Information Centre in Windhoek on Thursday.
Amutse said the move aims to stop panic buying and fuel hoarding following another sharp increase in fuel prices.
“To support the continued availability of fuel across the country, service stations are directed, for the next three months, to only refuel directly into the customers’ vehicles. The filling of additional drums, cans, or other containers will not be permitted during this period, except those in possession of a consumer installation certificate,” he said.
The decision also follows increased panic buying observed at service stations after the April 2026 fuel price increase.
“This recent trend appears to be largely driven by concerns that fuel may run out and/or prices may increase in the near future,” Amutse said.
Amutse assured the public that Namibia currently has enough fuel stock for the next three months and that there is no immediate risk of shortages.
“The ministry wishes to reassure the public that Namibia currently holds adequate fuel stocks and continues to receive scheduled fuel imports through various international supply arrangements,” he said.
He also warned that excessive fuel purchases and hoarding place unnecessary pressure on the fuel supply chain and can create artificial shortages.
“Motorists are encouraged to purchase fuel according to their normal consumption patterns, as excessive purchasing or hoarding may place unnecessary pressure on service station stocks and create the impression of shortages where none exist,” Amutse said.
Amutse also warned that anyone found violating the directive could face action under the Petroleum Products and Energy Act of 1990.
“This temporary measure is intended to discourage stockpiling and fuel hoarding and ensure that fuel remains accessible to all motorists.”
At the same time, another fuel price increase will take effect at midnight on 8 May.
Petrol prices in Walvis Bay will rise by N$1.40 per litre, while diesel 50ppm and diesel 10ppm will both increase by N$4.63 per litre.
The new Walvis Bay pump prices will be N$23.48 per litre for petrol 95, N$28.26 for diesel 50ppm and N$28.36 for diesel 10ppm.
Amutse said the increases were driven by rising international crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, shipping costs, supplier premiums and exchange rate fluctuations.
He also revealed that it will absorb approximately N$1.3 billion in fuel under-recoveries and supplier premiums for April and May 2026 through the National Energy Fund to cushion consumers from the full impact of global oil market shocks.
“The government wishes to inform the public that the full extent of the current under-recoveries has not been passed on to consumers,” Amutse said.
He further confirmed that selected statutory fuel levies have been temporarily reduced or suspended by up to 50% for three months as part of measures to ease pressure on consumers and businesses.
“The Ministry calls upon the public to remain calm, avoid panic buying and continue consuming fuel responsibly while government and industry stakeholders work collectively to safeguard national energy security,” Amutse said.
