Increase in prices of fuel and gray cement in Bunia, Ituri
The city of Bunia, located in the province of Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has seen an increase in the prices of fuel and gray cement in recent days. This increase directly impacts local consumers and raises concerns about the accessibility of these essential products.
Regarding the price of fuel, there is variation between service stations and local dealers. The liter of gasoline at the pump increased from 3500 to 3900-4000 Congolese francs (1.6 USD) at certain service stations. In addition, street dealers, commonly called “Kadafi”, offer a liter of gasoline at even higher prices, sometimes reaching 4,300 or 4,500 Congolese francs. This increase is attributed to the dilapidated state of the Iga-Jina barrier road where several tankers carrying petroleum products are stuck. However, the president of the oil companies also mentions a change in price structure announced by the national Ministry of the Economy.
At the same time, the price of gray cement is also experiencing a significant increase. While it used to sell for $12.50 per bag, it can now be found at $16 or even $18 at some retailers. This increase is justified by the collapse of the Sona bridge, located on the Kisege River 5 kilometers from Kasenyi. The waters of the river caused significant damage to the structure of the bridge, thus hindering vehicle traffic for several days. Local traders therefore had to face supply difficulties, which impacted the prices of gray cement.
Faced with this situation, consumers in Bunia express their concern about the impact of these increases on their purchasing power. Access to basic necessities, such as fuel and cement, is becoming increasingly difficult for some. This situation also highlights the need to repair degraded infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, to ensure regular and affordable supply for the local population.
In conclusion, the increase in prices of fuel and gray cement in Bunia constitutes a major challenge for the inhabitants of the region. This situation raises questions about the accessibility and availability of these essential products. It is therefore crucial to put in place measures to stabilize prices and guarantee adequate supplies to the population of Bunia.