90 000 litres of fuel smuggled

Acting economist in the petroleum directorate at the mines and energy ministry Abednego Ekandjo, said the ministry has an ongoing awareness campaign targeting illegal fuel trade running until 12 September.Ekandjo said the campaign, which runs under the theme 'Educating the public on Petroleum Products Act, Requirements and Safety Hazards Associated with Petroleum Storage and Handling' aims to create awareness about the illegal fuel trade in Namibia and its negative economic and environmental impact, amongst others.Ekandjo said fuel is normally smuggled into Namibia from Angola and traded illegally in areas such as the border town of Oshikango in the Ohangwena Region, as well as in Oshana and Omusati regions, and to a lesser extent, the two Kavango regions.“So far about 90 000 litres of smuggled fuel has been confiscated this year,” he said.Ekandjo warned that fuel is a dangerous product and must only be imported into Namibia, stored and distributed when those involved have met certain conditions such as operating a registered and licensed fuel wholesale or retail business.“The obvious solution to this is the close collaboration with all relevant players if Namibia is to root out such a trend,” he said.Public information sessions took place in the towns of Omaruru and Khorixas while on 12 September, a session will be held in Opuwo.Meanwhile, a consultative session with service station operators in Kunene Region will also take place tomorrow.Speaking to Nampa in a separate interview recently, public relations officer in the finance ministry Tonateni Shidhudhu told Nampa that illegal fuel trade affects the national economy, hence the need for close collaboration among all stakeholders.NAMPA

90 000 litres of fuel smuggled

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-31

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90 000 litres of fuel smuggled

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-31

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