Title: The resumption of the distribution of petroleum products in Lubumbashi: a favorable outcome after intense negotiations
Introduction :
After three days of interruption and discussions on the price between the government mission and oil operators, the distribution of petroleum products has resumed in Lubumbashi, a large city in the southeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This resumption follows the efforts of the Deputy Prime Minister of the National Economy, Vital Kamerhe, who led in-depth discussions to find suitable solutions to the demands of oil operators. This article reviews the details of these negotiations and the prospects for improving the situation.
Solutions found during discussions:
During the negotiations, several subjects were discussed, in particular the payment of losses and shortfalls for oil operators. The government agreed to pay a second part of these losses, favoring the Eastern part at 55% and the West part at 45%. In addition, a new price structure, closer to reality, will be put in place to avoid burdening consumers while protecting oil operators. Finally, a major meeting on the certification of losses and shortfalls will be organized in order to definitively put an end to this issue.
The reasons for the distribution disruption:
The situation of disruption in the distribution of petroleum products in Lubumbashi is due, in part, to the variation in international factors which influence the prices of these products. The 30% increase in the price of a barrel has impacted companies that obtain their supplies from large suppliers, who tend to hold back their stocks. This situation caused difficulties for oil operators and required government intervention to find suitable solutions.
The positive impacts for oil operators:
The government’s promptness in seeking solutions was welcomed by Katanga’s oil operators. Patrick Mulang, provincial president of the Congo Business Federation (FEC/Haut-Katanga), expressed his satisfaction with the government’s listening and obtaining concrete solutions. Thanks to these advances, all service stations have resumed sales at the official price, thus putting an end to black market practices where the liter was sold at a much higher price.
Conclusion :
The resumption of the distribution of petroleum products in Lubumbashi is a favorable outcome resulting from discussions between the government mission and oil operators. The solutions found during these negotiations make it possible to provide concrete responses to operators’ demands and to improve the situation.. This promptness of the government in seeking solutions demonstrates its desire to support economic players and promote the proper functioning of the oil sector.