Windhoek:Affirmative Repositioning (AR) Leader, Job Amupanda, has accused the August 26 Holding Company of misappropriating public funds through inflated fuel prices in deals with the Ministry of Defence. Amupanda alleges that at least seven middlemen were used to supply fuel at elevated costs.

According to Namibia Press Agency, August 26 has refuted these allegations, defending its procurement procedures and initiating an investigation into the claims. During a press briefing in Windhoek, Amupanda detailed that intermediary companies were involved in the fuel supply chain despite lacking the necessary infrastructure, complicating the traceability of the fuel's origin and cost.

Amupanda presented evidence, including documents and invoices, suggesting that companies like Sunrise Investment and Bridge Water Oil and Gas were involved in these transactions. He challenged August 26's justification for the N$36 per litre price for Jet A-1 aviation fuel, pointing out discrepancies with diesel prices.

In its defense, August 26 clarified that it had not taken over the fuel supply contract from Enercon, which had been canceled by the Ministry of Defence. The company explained its role in ensuring fuel supply to military bases by purchasing from approved suppliers and managing the financial risks involved.

August 26 stated that it has consistently adhered to regulated pump prices for petrol and diesel since June 2024 and that the N$36-per-litre pricing was specific to Jet A-1 fuel. The company also mentioned that it predominantly sources fuel from major importers and uses alternative suppliers only in emergencies, with purchases requiring approval from authorized officials. Furthermore, August 26 denied any records of fuel purchases from Sunrise CC.

Source NAMPA