The price of gasoline on the rise in Butembo and Beni in North Kivu
Since Monday September 11, residents of the towns of Butembo and Beni in North Kivu have seen the price of gasoline increase significantly. Going from 3000 to 3500 Congolese francs per liter in certain points of sale, this increase has a direct impact on the cost of living and the daily life of the population.
The reasons for this increase are not clearly explained by service station managers, who refuse to comment. However, fuel resellers, commonly called “Gaddafi”, sell a liter between 3,700 and 4,000 Congolese francs. This situation is leading to soaring prices in the public transport sector, making the work of motorcycle taxi drivers increasingly difficult.
Motorcycle taxi drivers deplore this increase in fuel prices, which makes their work less profitable. Customers refuse to accept the new prices and this directly impacts drivers’ income. Despite everything, the latter are forced to keep prices unchanged to avoid losing their customers. They call on the competent authorities to intervene to regulate the market.
Local authorities, for their part, point the finger at certain people who take advantage of the population’s ignorance to fix prices to their advantage. Gérard Kayihembako, head of the urban Economy office at Butembo town hall, accuses these individuals of wanting to take advantage of the current situation without taking into account the consequences for the population.
The Association of Oil Importers of the Lubero Territory and the City of Butembo itself is surprised by this sudden increase in prices. Gas stations owned by its members have not changed their prices, raising questions about the real reasons for the increase in fuel prices.
This situation highlights the economic difficulties facing certain regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The competent authorities must take measures to protect the interests of the population and ensure fair functioning of the gasoline market in Butembo and Beni.