DRC Certifies $146.7 Million in Petroleum Sector Losses for Q2 2026
DRC Certifies $146.7 Million in Petroleum Losses and Revenue Shortfalls in Q2 2026
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has certified $146.72 million in losses and revenue shortfalls incurred by petroleum companies during the second quarter of 2026, highlighting the growing financial pressure on the country’s fuel supply sector.
The certification, conducted on August 13 and 14, 2026, covered petroleum operations across the DRC’s four supply zones: Western, Southern, Eastern and Northern.
The total certified amount stands at $146,723,912.42.
Western and Northern zones lead
The Western and Northern zones accounted for the largest share, with certified losses of approximately $110.43 million.
The Southern zone recorded $31.19 million, while the Eastern zone accounted for about $5.11 million.
The losses, classified as Pertes et Manques à Gagner (PMAG), largely reflect the gap between the costs incurred by petroleum companies and regulated domestic fuel prices.
Global price pressures increase costs
The certification comes as international petroleum prices have experienced significant volatility, partly driven by tensions and disruptions in the Gulf region.
During the period under review, international prices reportedly increased by approximately 63% for gasoline, 82% for diesel and 88% for Jet A1 and kerosene.
With domestic fuel prices regulated, petroleum companies have absorbed part of the higher import and supply costs, increasing the financial burden on the sector.
The government has maintained regulated prices to protect consumers from international price shocks and limit the impact of higher fuel costs on inflation and household purchasing power.
Advances support fuel supply
Government advances to petroleum operators have helped ease some of the financial pressure and support continued fuel supply across the country.
Joseph Makondo Maboko, President of the National Petroleum Companies Professional Committee at the Federation of Enterprises of Congo (FEC), welcomed the measures, noting that the advances have helped companies maintain operations under challenging market conditions.
The certification process brought together major petroleum companies and key government and industry institutions, including Engen, Cobil SA, Lerexcom, SEP Congo, TotalEnergies, GPDPP, SPSA Cobil and SOCIR, as well as representatives of the FEC, DGDA, the Presidency, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and the Ministry of State Portfolio.
The $146.72 million certified for Q2 2026 underscores the financial strain created by the gap between international petroleum costs and regulated fuel prices in the DRC, while placing continued pressure on the government to balance consumer protection with the financial sustainability of the petroleum supply chain.
