Article: Lower gas prices in Gabon: a promise kept to relieve households
In Gabon, the president of the transition, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, made an announcement which delighted the populations. During his speech to the nation on December 31, 2023, he promised a significant reduction in the price of butane gas bottles. And the next day, the Gabonese were able to see the fulfillment of this promise with a reduction of 1,050 CFA francs. The gas bottle is now available at 4,950 CFA francs, a reduction of almost 15%.
This unexpected decline aroused both surprise and satisfaction among the Gabonese population. Mr. Meba, a resident of Libreville, expressed his joy by declaring: “The Gabonese people don’t ask for much. If we get small improvements like this, we are happy. It’s a plus for us.”
However, not everyone benefited from this price drop immediately. Some traders continue to apply the old rate of 6,000 CFA francs, which has led to conflicts with consumers informed of the new pricing. Nancy Manguenga testified about her misadventure by recounting: “The owner of the shop told me that gas was still sold at 6,000 CFA francs. I did not pay, I refused, because the president announced that the price was now 4,950 CFA francs. So I refused to pay the initial price.”
This price drop was not officially communicated by the government, but was only relayed on social networks. This method of communication has caused some confusion among the population and traders. Gas retailers, like Touré, a Senegalese based in Gabon, were disconcerted by this situation. He explains: “I bought my gas bottle for 5,450 CFA francs, and now it’s 4,950 CFA francs. So I lost the profit margin I was making until then.”
Despite these small inconveniences, the Gabonese population nevertheless remains relieved by this drop in the price of gas. This measure will help relieve household budgets, in particular by reducing the cost of expenses related to cooking and heating. A passerby expressed her satisfaction by saying: “It makes us happy. The president promised it to us, we are happy.” Another resident adds: “This is good news to lighten the household basket. We can only be satisfied and rejoice with this decision.”
It should be remembered that Gabon imports nearly 90% of the gas consumed in the country. However, a factory was recently inaugurated in Libreville with the aim of covering 40% of the national gas demand. This initiative demonstrates Gabon’s desire to become a gas exporter and diversify its economy. The drop in gas prices could thus stimulate the development of this sector and contribute to the country’s economic growth..
In conclusion, the drop in the price of gas bottles in Gabon is a promise kept by the transitional president. This measure, although announced informally, received a favorable reception from the population who see this reduction as an improvement in their purchasing power. We hope that this initiative will stimulate the development of the Gabonese gas sector and contribute to the prosperity of the country.