Heavy Oil: A Bill of Rs 2.46 Billion to Secure Electricity
In response to the energy crisis, the government is implementing a series of emergency measures to maintain the country's electricity supply.
Mauritius' energy situation is entering a turbulent phase. During a press conference on Monday, March 23, 2026, Energy and Public Utilities Minister Patrick Assirvaden outlined the urgent decisions made to ensure the continuity of electricity production amid international geopolitical tensions. Behind these measures is a particularly high bill looming for the country.
At the heart of the government's strategy is the rapid importation of heavy oil to prevent any disruption in electricity production. Two shipments from Singapore are expected in April. The first, estimated at 33,500 tons, is set to arrive around April 1, while available stocks are deemed critical, with approximately 19 days of reserves at Fort Victoria and 27 days at Fort George. The second shipment, carrying 32,000 tons, is scheduled between April 14 and 16.
However, this emergency solution comes at a cost. The first shipment is valued at around 1.2 billion rupees, which includes an additional cost of 500 million rupees. The second shipment will reach nearly 1.26 billion rupees, with a similar increase. In total, these two operations represent an expenditure of about 2.46 billion rupees for the Central Electricity Board (CEB). This is a substantial amount, but the minister fully supports it, believing that an interruption in electricity supply would have far more severe consequences for the economy and daily life.
Beyond ensuring supply, the government is focusing on a series of concrete measures to tackle this energy crisis. The first measure is to diversify import sources. Through the State Trading Corporation (STC), authorities are pursuing initiatives in several markets to reduce dependence on a single, unstable region of the world.
At the same time, a strategy to reduce heavy oil consumption has been established. Independent electricity producers have been instructed to temporarily increase their use of coal. This pragmatic decision, although contrary to environmental objectives, allows for the preservation of essential fuel reserves needed to operate the network.
The Central Electricity Board has also revised its management parameters. The energy reserve has been lowered from the usual 30 to 35 MW to around 20 to 25 MW. This reduction allows for energy savings but requires finer management of the electrical network to avoid any imbalances.
Additionally, certain maintenance operations have been reorganized to optimize the performance of power plants and limit excessive fuel consumption. The goal is clear: to maximize the use of existing infrastructure in a context of constrained resources.
On an institutional level, a High-Level Crisis Committee has been established. This strategic committee includes several key institutions, such as the Ministry of Finance, STC, CEB, and the Bank of Mauritius. Its mission is to ensure constant monitoring of the situation and to propose swift adjustments as the crisis evolves.
Among the medium-term measures being considered is the strengthening of storage capacity. Currently limited to about 50 days, national reserves could be extended to two or even three months. Such an evolution would enable the country to better absorb shocks related to fluctuations in the international market.
The government also plans to tighten regulatory frameworks to combat energy waste. Legislative amendments are being prepared to allow sanctions against abuses, particularly in public and commercial spaces where electricity is often used excessively.
In this regard, a national energy efficiency campaign will be intensified. It aims to raise public awareness of the need to conserve energy, focusing not just on managing peak consumption but on a comprehensive and sustainable reduction in electricity usage.
Concrete measures are already under consideration, including regulating the use of air conditioners and phasing out energy-hungry appliances. The minister mentioned the possibility of banning certain high-energy-consuming equipment, such as refrigerators, starting in September.
Major electricity consumers will also not be overlooked. Mandatory energy audits may be imposed on them to force responsible practices and reduce consumption.
Finally, the government is exploring international partnerships, particularly with India, to secure the supply of petroleum products. International tenders have also been launched to identify new suppliers capable of meeting the country's specific needs.
Through this set of measures, Patrick Assirvaden emphasized that the priority remains energy security. In a context marked by uncertainty and market volatility, he called for collective responsibility, reminding everyone that every effort counts in preserving the country's energy balance.
While these decisions entail significant financial costs, they primarily reflect a desire to protect the national economy and ensure the continuity of an essential service. It is a delicate equation, but deemed unavoidable under the current circumstances.
