Fuel Prices Drop by 13% in DRC’s West Zone as Govt Moves to Combat High Cost of Living
The price of fuel in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) West zone has seen a significant reduction, with gasoline dropping from 3,340 to 2,990.49 Congolese francs per liter, a 13% decrease.
Similarly, diesel prices have fallen from 3,435 to 2,979.73 Congolese francs per liter, also marking a 13% reduction. This price cut follows the orders signed on Wednesday, October 2, by Daniel Mukoko Samba, the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of the National Economy.
According to a statement from the Ministry of National Economy, the government is closely monitoring global oil prices and remains committed to preserving the purchasing power of the Congolese population.
This is in line with President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi’s second-term priorities. The ministry further highlighted that reforms in the petroleum product distribution sector will continue, aiming to maintain the downward trend in prices for goods and services reliant on energy resources.
To ensure a stable supply of petroleum products across the country, the ministry has begun reimbursing shortfalls incurred by operators in the sector, while carefully managing the financial burden on the public treasury.
Additionally, Mukoko Samba announced an upcoming reduction in the prices of eight essential consumer goods. This follows the recent signing of a decree by the Prime Minister introducing urgent measures to address the high cost of living.
The products set to see price cuts include frozen meat, poultry, salted fish, powdered milk, rice, corn, and sugar. The government expects strict compliance with these reductions, as the private sector has been involved in every stage of the reform process.
The Ministry of National Economy will also initiate economic control missions during the final quarter of the year to identify and penalize illegal pricing practices and unfair competition. These actions are part of the government’s broader strategy to stabilize living costs.
This drop in fuel prices was in response to instructions from President Félix Tshisekedi during the 8th meeting of the Council of Ministers.
He had received information indicating that price adjustments in the petroleum sector were possible, allowing for a reduction in fuel costs to benefit the population.
These measures form part of the government’s urgent actions to counter the high cost of living in the DRC and reinforce purchasing power for citizens.
