Angola Intensifies Actions Against Fuel Smuggling as Government Targets Sustainable Resource Development
The Angolan Government continues to prioritize the fight against fuel smuggling, implementing a range of measures designed to discourage this persistent practice.
The assurance was given by the Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, who reaffirmed the Executive’s commitment to curbing the illegal flow of fuel across borders.
According to the minister, fuel smuggling is largely driven by significant price disparities between Angola and neighboring countries. In response, authorities have adopted “palliative, educational, and coercive measures,” including the gradual removal of fuel subsidies, to reduce the incentives behind the illicit activity.
Azevedo made these remarks upon arriving in Cunene Province on Thursday to preside over the 11th Meeting of the Advisory Council of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas.
The gathering aims to strengthen coordination with provincial directorates, assess the progress of previous council resolutions, and align strategies for more effective governance of the sector.
He noted that the advisory council is preceded by a methodological meeting where key topics—both from the supervisory body and provincial governments—are analyzed. These include issues related to mineral resource concessions, with the goal of deepening and improving institutional collaboration.
The minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to explore biofuel development. He referenced a pilot initiative led by the energy company ENI, with the first experimental phase conducted in Malanje, as part of Angola’s broader legislative and strategic framework for energy diversification.
As part of the council’s official program, which is being held in Ondijiva until Friday, the ministry’s delegation paid a courtesy visit to Ombala Yo’uKwanyama, His Majesty Jeronimo Haleinge, and his court.
During the visit, Azevedo expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the value of direct engagement with traditional authorities. Such interactions, he said, enrich understanding of national culture and identity.
“Deepening our knowledge of history, values, and traditions is essential. A people who do not know their culture and heritage will struggle to achieve development and improved quality of life,” he stated.
Azevedo added that the sector emerges from these exchanges “stronger and more aware of its responsibility to ensure that Angola’s mineral resources are used sustainably and for the exclusive benefit of the population.”
“Our resources are a blessing that must be managed wisely so they do not become a curse,” he stressed.
The 11th Meeting of the Advisory Council serves as a strategic forum that unites key stakeholders to evaluate progress made during the 2023–2027 mandate and outline future priorities. Held under the theme “Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas: From Potential to Strategic Development,” the event reinforces the Government’s commitment to sustainable growth and the integrated development of Angola’s natural resources.
The agenda includes a review of the ministry’s recent activities, an assessment of the country’s mining potential—with a particular focus on Cunene—and discussions on pressing issues such as fuel smuggling, onshore exploration and production initiatives, oil and mineral exploration strategies, and the importance of investor quality in sector advancement.
In addition to Minister Diamantino Azevedo, the meeting is attended by the Governor of Cunene, Gerdina Didalelwa, as well as national and provincial directors, leaders of supervised institutions, company representatives, sector employees, and other invited participants.
