Preheat oven to 350 °F.
In mixing bowl sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In separate bowl combine hot water and cocoa. Mix well until smooth. Add sugar, oil and vanilla, and mix well. Add eggs and continue to mix until well combined.
Slowly add in flour mixture while gently mixing until everything is just combined.
Place batter in muffin cups and fill to half of their depth. Bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into centre of cupcake comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let cool.