The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has accused the government of weakening competition in the fuel sector after suspending restrictions that prevented Nasan Energies from sourcing fuel from Vitol.
In a statement issued on Monday, IPC says the decision contradicts the government’s own justification, which cites the appointment of a single bulk fuel supplier as the reason for lifting the conditions.
The party says the supplier referred to in the Government Gazette is Vitol Bahrain EC, arguing that the government has used its own agreement with the company to justify removing safeguards against its growing market influence.
“The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) imposed the restrictions in April after finding that the deal was likely to substantially lessen competition in the country’s fuel market. However, line minister Modestus Amutse suspended the conditions under Section 49 of the Competition Act, with the gazetted reasons stating that no public representations were received during the review process,” reads the statement.
IPC claims Vitol already controls between 75% and 85% of Namibia’s wholesale fuel market, warning that reduced competition could ultimately affect fuel prices paid by consumers.
The party has called on the minister to table the full section 49 review record, including the application, supporting documents and reasons for the decision.
It also wants confirmation that the “single bulk supplier” referred to in the gazette is Vitol, details of the terms of that appointment, whether the NaCC was consulted before the conditions were suspended and when the suspension will end.
