On this day of February 19, 2024, a momentous decision was taken in Cameroon concerning urban and interurban transport prices. This announcement follows a recent 15% increase in the price of fuel, which sparked heated debate among the country’s population and economic players.
The Cameroonian authorities, in consultation with representatives of transport unions, have decided to apply price increases in order to compensate for the growing costs linked to the increase in fuel. Thus, taxi journeys in urban areas are increasing, going from 300 to 350 CFA francs during the day and from 350 to 400 CFA francs at night. Likewise, on interurban lines, the price per kilometer increases from 14 to 16 CFA francs.
The negotiations between the ministers of Commerce, Transport and Labor as well as representatives of the transport unions must have been intense, as evidenced by the announcement of the increases after three hours of discussions. Deffo Sokeng, president of the National Union of Intercity Carriers, stressed the importance of these tariff adjustments to enable carriers to cover their costs.
However, despite these new decisions, some carriers had already increased their prices even before the official announcement. This situation shows the financial pressure suffered by actors in the transport sector in Cameroon, following the almost 30% increase in the price of fuel in one year.
To alleviate the financial difficulties caused by these increases, the government is considering other measures, in particular a possible increase in the minimum wage. Trade unionists are demanding a significant increase in the minimum wage, from 45,000 to 100,000 CFA francs, in order to guarantee decent purchasing power for workers.
Faced with these economic and social challenges, it is essential to find just and sustainable solutions to ensure the well-being of the Cameroonian population and the stability of the transport sector.