Heather Erdmann

Yesterday, parts of Windhoek experienced a sharp surge in fuel demand as residents rushed to fill up their vehicles ahead of a price increase that took effect today, driven by growing tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

New Era visited several service stations. At Banhoff Service Station, manager Altta Folscher said the increase in demand had been significant. The station, which typically sells between 10 000 and 11 000 litres of fuel per day, recorded sales of more than 25 000 litres in a single day as motorists scrambled to beat the hike. Authorities urged the public to avoid panic buying and hoarding, warning of serious safety risks and discouraging illegal fuel reselling. Officials maintained that Namibia’s fuel stocks remained adequate and that there was no immediate threat to supply.

Despite these measures, fuel prices still increased, with petrol rising by N$2.50 per litre and diesel by N$4 per litre, adding pressure on households and businesses already grappling with high living costs. –herdmann@nepc.com

Photo: Heather Erdmann