Title: Increase in the price of gasoline in Butembo and Beni: the consequences on the population
Introduction :
Since Monday September 11, the towns of Butembo and Beni, located in North Kivu, have been facing a significant increase in the price of gasoline. Going from 3000 to 3500 Congolese francs per liter in certain service stations, this increase has direct repercussions on the population.
The lack of explanations from those in charge of the service stations and the price difference observed among the resellers, commonly known as “Gaddafi”, raise questions about the reasons for this increase. In this article, we will discuss the consequences of this increase on the daily lives of the inhabitants of Butembo and Beni, as well as the reactions of the authorities and associations concerned.
Impacts on public transportation:
One of the first consequences of this increase in the price of gasoline is the skyrocketing price of public transportation. Motorcycle taxi drivers, who largely depend on gasoline to carry out their profession, encounter difficulties in keeping prices accessible to their customers. Some drivers have been forced to set identical rates, despite the increase in costs, in order not to lose their customers. This situation weakens the livelihood of these workers and affects their daily lives.
Reactions from authorities and associations:
Faced with these increases, some voices are being raised to denounce the exploitation of the ignorance of the population by individuals seeking to impose prices as they wish. The head of the urban Economy office at Butembo town hall points out this practice and calls on the authorities to take measures to regulate the fuel market. For its part, the Association of Oil Importers in the territory of Lubero and the city of Butembo expresses its incomprehension as to the reasons for this increase and affirms that the prices charged in its members’ service stations have not changed. .
Social consequences:
This increase in the price of gasoline has repercussions on the daily lives of the inhabitants of Butembo and Beni. In addition to seeing their transportation costs increase, households are also seeing the cost of goods and services increase due to increased logistics costs. This situation endangers the purchasing power of the already weakened population.
Conclusion :
The increase in the price of gasoline in Butembo and Beni directly affects the population, both in terms of public transport and the cost of living. The authorities and associations concerned must take measures to regulate the fuel market and guarantee affordable prices for the population. This situation highlights the need to find sustainable solutions to ensure the supply of fuel at reasonable prices, while preserving the purchasing power of the inhabitants of these two Congolese cities.