Fuel shortage in Lubumbashi: a worrying situation that affects residents
For almost four days, the city of Lubumbashi, capital of the Haut-Katanga province, has been facing a fuel shortage. While most gas stations remained closed, only the Engen station is trying to supply fuel, but on a limited basis. This situation has a considerable impact on the local population, who find themselves faced with travel difficulties and price increases.
Faced with this situation, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Economy, Vital Kamerhe, and the Minister of Hydrocarbons, Didier Budimbu, traveled to the site in order to understand the causes of this shortage and find solutions. Accompanied by their respective teams, they will meet with oil sector operators to discuss the demands and tax problems that led to this interruption in distribution.
Oil operators deplore in particular the depreciation of the Congolese franc, the rise in the price of a barrel of oil, as well as the non-compliance with commitments made by the government to support economic players in the sector. This meeting will bring the different stakeholders involved, such as the Ministry of the National Economy, the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, the General Directorate of Customs and Excise, and oil operators, around the same table. The goal is to find concrete solutions to resolve this crisis and ensure a regular supply of fuel.
In the meantime, the population of Lubumbashi is already suffering the consequences of this shortage. Public transport prices have increased significantly, from 500 to 1000 CDF for short journeys, and from 1000 to 1500 CDF for longer journeys. In addition, many gas stations are closed, creating long queues in front of the few stations still open. Some motorists even prefer to leave their vehicles at home, while others turn to small local traders, nicknamed the “Gaddafi”, to obtain fuel at high prices.
Resolving this fuel shortage in Lubumbashi is crucial to guarantee the proper functioning of the city and facilitate the mobility of the population. The government’s efforts to meet with stakeholders in the oil sector and find solutions will hopefully resolve this crisis and ensure a stable supply of fuel to the region.