GOVT SETS UP TASK FORCE TO EXPLORE INCREASING OIL RESERVES - nbc

Описание: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare says the government has put in place a task force to explore options for increased oil reserves should the war in the Middle East continue.

Dr Ngurare was responding to a question by PDM leader McHenry Venaani on oil supply chains in the wake of the US-Israeli war against Iran.

"We are seeing the Middle East and the war between Iran, Israel and the United States, but the region has become very volatile. Namibia is officially off the Strait of Hormuz, where many of our oil supplies come from. We have been given assurance that we have a three-month stockpile of oil in our depots. But what if the war continues and the government puts up a task force to see if we are not going to use the Strait of Hormuz? Are we going to get oil?" asked Venaani.

Dr Nguare responded that the government made swift moves already and created a task force that could look into more options other than just the 3 months of oil reserves.

The premier assured the house that once this task force identifies other possible options, he will report back to the National Assembly.

"I wish to assure the Honourable Member as well as the country that yes, the government is seized with the matter and various stakeholders around that very same issue, and in good time we will be able to say precisely what it is and what options we are looking at. And I think also, if the Honourable Member can indulge me, I think it would also be helpful for us as members of the August House that we also continue to relay messages like this that put our people at ease in respect of the supply chain as well as just be responsible. We cannot take anything for granted, especially in the volatility of the situation as it is unfolding. So yes, Honourable Member, we are on it."