Namibian opposition demands transparency on Vitol fuel supply contract
via The Namibian1 min read
The Independent Patriots for Change has called on Namibia's energy ministry to provide a full explanation regarding its decision to grant international oil trader Vitol an exclusive three-month contract for fuel supply. Minister of industries, mines and energy Modestus Amutse announced the agreement, citing potential government savings. However, the absence of a transparent tender process has sparked public concern. Shadow minister for international relations and trade Rodney Cloete questioned why the strategic national fuel supply was awarded without competitive tenders and sought clarification on any potential extensions beyond September 30. Cloete also demanded details on the contract's terms, conditions, and pricing methodology. He highlighted Vitol's past admission of bribing officials in other countries, expressing concern about entrusting the country's sole fuel supply to such an entity through a confidential, non-competitive process. Furthermore, Cloete raised issues about the minister's dual role in appointing fuel suppliers and overseeing competition regulations, specifically noting a condition imposed by the Namibian Competition Commission preventing Nasan Energies from purchasing fuel from Vitol for five years. He described the situation as a matter of basic procedural fairness.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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