Botswana Announces Fuel Price Adjustments Amid Global Oil Market Volatility

Botswana Announces Fuel Price Adjustments Amid Global Oil Market Volatility. The Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) has announced adjustments to retail pump prices for petrol, diesel, and illuminating paraffin, effective 00:01hrs on Saturday, 28 March 2026.

The new prices are as follows:

• Unleaded Petrol 95 will increase by 505 thebe per litre.
• Diesel 50ppm will increase by 877 thebe per litre.
• Illuminating Paraffin will increase by 1055 thebe per litre.

According to BERA, the upward adjustment is driven by developments in the international oil market. Average Brent Crude oil prices rose sharply between February and March 2026, reaching highs of US$119.50 per barrel, levels last recorded four years ago. The increase has been attributed to geopolitical instabilities in the Middle East, including attacks on shipping and energy facilities, as well as threats to tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. These disruptions have forced some vessels to delay or reroute shipments, raising fears of severe supply shortages.

Refined petroleum products also experienced significant price hikes during the same period. International prices of Unleaded Petrol 95 rose by 59.7%, from US$79.70 to US$127.29 per barrel. Diesel increased by 90.8%, from US$91.18 to US$173.93 per barrel, while Illuminating Paraffin surged by 110.9%, from US$90.97 to US$191.87 per barrel.

BERA emphasized that Botswana is a price taker in the global oil market and has no influence over international price drivers. The adjustment is therefore necessary to align local pump prices with global trends. The Authority assured the public that it will continue to monitor international market developments and make further adjustments as required.

The announcement underscores the impact of global volatility on domestic fuel costs, highlighting the interconnected nature of energy markets and the challenges faced by countries reliant on imports.