Business Botswana engages govt on fuel prices
Mbongeni Mguni | Wednesday April 22, 2026 12:40
The organisation’s comments come as it engages with government on the pressures around oil prices, as a result of the Middle East conflict. Business Botswana officials said the organisation had met with Trade and Entrepreneurship permanent secretary, Joel Ramaphoi, as part of interventions to reduce the impact of fuel price increases.
In a statement earlier today, Business Botswana head of policy and research, Mpaphi Tsholofelo, said the organisation had engaged government as many businesses were already facing cost pressures, particularly from high importation expenses from suppliers and manufacturers.
As most goods in the retail sector are imported, the recent adjustments in the pula exchange rate have further amplified the fuel price challenges, he said. Business Botswana stressed the importance of maintaining free market principles and cautioned against government intervention, which affects pricing decisions.
On the engagements with government, Tsholofelo said the concerns and proposals had been welcomed and the ministry had committed itself to strengthening consultation and collaboration with the private sector. Government had also committed to weighing the proposals and reverting within a week.