Transparency in Fuel Procurement: Temporary Emergency Measures Must Not Replace Open Tenders
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy confirmed that the sole bulk-fuel supply arrangement with Vitol Bahrain E.C., initially presented as a three-month emergency measure ending in September, has been extended into October.
Concluded without an open tender during the Iran conflict, this temporary measure has been extended without publishing a supply tender or disclosing the price basis. When emergency measures are repeatedly extended by press statements without public instruments, temporary arrangements risk becoming permanent procurement methods.
Fuel price adjustments directly impact ordinary Namibians:
Long-distance truck drivers pay significantly more to fuel commercial vehicles.
Commuters and taxi drivers absorb higher fuel and road user charges daily.
Coastal fishing crews operate under unverified supply contracts.
The IPC demands that the Minister table the extension instrument in the National Assembly, publish the open supply tender within seven days, and gazette fuel coordination regulations before this arrangement lapses.
Comments