US Becomes Namibia's Second-Largest Fuel Source

The United States became Namibia's second-largest source of imports in the second quarter of 2026, as disruptions from the Middle East conflict forced Namibian fuel importers to look beyond their traditional Gulf suppliers, the Bank of Namibia said in its latest quarterly bulletin.

The US share of Namibia's total imports jumped to 11.5%, up from just 2.7% the previous year. Mineral fuels made up 73.2% of everything Namibia imported from the US during the quarter.

"Disruptions to traditional fuel supply routes stemming from the Middle East conflict contributed to a shift in Namibia's import sourcing patterns during the second quarter of 2026," the central bank said.

Gulf suppliers lose ground

The shift matters because Namibia has long depended heavily on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for fuel. Before the disruptions, GCC countries supplied an estimated 40% to 45% of Namibia's mineral fuel imports. That share fell below 30% in the second quarter.

Oman was an exception, gaining ground even as the wider Gulf region lost share. Its portion of Namibia's imports rose from 3.7% to 4.2%.

The reshuffling follows a pattern seen elsewhere in the region. Namibia's energy ministry turned to global trader Vitol as the country's sole fuel supplier for several months this year, an emergency measure the ministry has said was meant to guarantee supply at a stable price during the same period of global market volatility.

A shock felt at the pump

The disruption traces back to the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping route that carries a large share of the world's oil. Fighting between the US and Iran affected vessel traffic through the strait, pushing up both oil prices and shipping costs globally.

"With global oil supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz disrupted, international oil and petroleum product prices, as well as international shipping freight costs increased sharply," the central bank said.

Brent crude averaged $97 a barrel during the quarter, up 34% year-on-year and 25% quarter-on-quarter.

Namibia felt the impact directly. The country's mineral fuel import bill rose 75.3% year-on-year and 49.2% quarter-on-quarter, reaching N$9.5 billion.

Pump prices followed. Petrol climbed to N$22.48 a litre. Diesel 50ppm reached N$24.26, while diesel 10ppm hit N$24.36.

Government stepped in to soften the blow

To limit the pain for consumers, the government dipped into the National Energy Fund's equalisation fund and temporarily cut the fuel levy built into the pump price.

Even so, the shock rippled beyond fuel stations. The Ministry of Works and Transport approved a 15% increase in taxi and bus fares from May 18, citing rising fuel and operating costs, a rise that would have been felt by commuters who rely on public transport for daily travel to work and school.

Whether US supply continues to fill the gap left by GCC countries, or Gulf suppliers regain their former share once shipping routes stabilise, will likely depend on how the broader Middle East conflict develops in the months ahead.