Windhoek: The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has issued a directive to fuel wholesalers and retailers, mandating an immediate halt to the practice of withholding oil supplies in anticipation of potential price hikes.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Minister Modestus Amutse released a directive on Tuesday night, emphasizing that withholding oil supplies on March 31, 2026, with the intention of releasing them on April 1, 2026, to benefit from higher prices, threatens fuel security. The directive compels all licensed fuel wholesalers to fulfill outstanding fuel orders placed by licensed fuel retailers who adhere to agreed payment terms.

The notice further instructs that all licensed fuel retailers must serve consumers without discrimination, refraining from imposing unlawful limitations on the volumes dispensed with the aim of capitalizing on increased prices. Wholesalers are now required to provide written justifications for any reductions in volumes or non-deliveries against placed fuel orders, supported by verifiable stock and logistics evidence.

Minister Amutse cautioned that if investigations reveal that certain players have engaged in practices that create artificial shortages, punitive actions will be taken against those responsible for compromising national fuel availability. The ministry stressed the importance of ceasing the deliberate withholding of supplies to maintain stable fuel supply security across the country.