The Central Electricity Board (CEB) of Mauritius has announced that it will not raise electricity tariffs in the immediate future, despite a significant increase in the price of heavy fuel oil (HFO). According to the CEB, the CIF price of HFO 180 cSt rose from $405.34 to $638.54 per metric ton between January and September 2026, representing a 57.5% hike. Similarly, the price of HFO 380 cSt increased by 57.4% during the same period.
The surge in HFO prices has resulted in substantial additional costs for the CEB. During the first nine months of 2026, the board's expenditure on HFO reached approximately Rs 6.87 billion, compared to Rs 5.88 billion during the same period in 2025. This represents an increase of around Rs 994 million. The CEB has attributed the rise in costs to the escalating global prices of HFO.
In response to the situation, the CEB has launched a campaign promoting energy conservation, which will continue until April 2027. The board's communication officer, Thierry Ramasawmy, explained that the initiative aims to reduce electricity consumption. He stated that higher electricity consumption requires the CEB to produce more power, resulting in increased purchases of HFO, which is becoming increasingly expensive.
Despite the current challenges, the CEB has assured that it has sufficient reserves to meet the country's electricity demands. As of the current date, the board has a stock of 47,472 metric tons of HFO, providing approximately 52 to 59 days of autonomy. Furthermore, a new shipment of 26,000 metric tons of HFO is expected to arrive on October 20, 2026, from Spain, via South Africa.
The CEB is closely monitoring the international energy markets, which have been characterized by high volatility and supply tensions since the beginning of 2026. The board remains committed to managing its costs effectively while ensuring a secure, reliable, and continuous electricity supply across the country.
Mauritius is gradually increasing its reliance on renewable energy sources. The CEB reported that photovoltaic installations, including household and solar farms, currently account for 17% of the country's electricity production. The board encourages households to generate their own electricity through the Household Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Scheme, which enables them to install photovoltaic panels to meet part of their energy needs.
The CEB's efforts to promote renewable energy and energy conservation are ongoing. The board continues to develop initiatives in line with the country's renewable energy objectives. As the summer season approaches, the CEB is urging consumers to be mindful of their energy consumption to mitigate the impact of rising HFO prices.
Key points
- The CEB will not raise electricity tariffs despite a 57.5% surge in heavy fuel oil prices.
- The board has launched an energy conservation campaign to reduce electricity consumption.
- Renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, account for 17% of Mauritius' electricity production.
