Dangote launches Walvis Bay pipeline project
Namibia's fuel prices rise as the Dangote Namibia Tank Farm and Regional Pipeline Project officially opens.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah launched the Dangote Namibia Tank Farm and Regional Pipeline Project near Walvis Bay on Wednesday, November 4. This launch coincides with a fuel price increase, with petrol rising by N$2 per litre and diesel by N$3. Petrol 95 now costs N$28.58 per litre in Walvis Bay, diesel 50ppm is N$30.86, and diesel 10ppm is N$30.96.
The Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Modestus Amutse, attributed the price hike to a 40% rise in shipping costs and a 64% increase in vessel waiting costs, compounded by exchange-rate pressures. The new project includes a storage facility for 1.6 million barrels of fuel, dispensing tanks, a truck port, and a 16-kilometre pipeline.
Dangote's engagement with Namibia began on June 19, 2025, exploring investment opportunities, including his Nigerian refinery's capacity. The project aims to create a regional distribution hub, potentially generating revenue from storage, pipeline tariffs, and logistics services, though infrastructure alone does not guarantee lower fuel prices.
Why it mattersNamibian motorists face higher fuel costs due to increased shipping and waiting expenses, despite the launch of a new fuel infrastructure project.