Deputy Prime Minister Visits Lubumbashi to Address Fuel Crisis
The city of Lubumbashi, located in the Haut-Katanga province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is facing a severe fuel crisis due to an ongoing strike initiated by players in the oil industry.
In response to this tense situation, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the National Economy, Vital Kamerhe, led a government delegation to Lubumbashi on Saturday, September 30. The delegation included the Minister of Hydrocarbons, Didier Budimbu, and other senior officials.
The primary objective of this mission is to assess the demands of oil sector operators in the mining province who have halted the sale of petroleum products, resulting in a shortage of fuel.
The conflict has forced gas stations to close, leading to fuel supply challenges for public transport drivers who are now turning to resellers.
These resellers, in turn, have raised fuel prices. Presently, a liter of fuel is selling for more than 5,000 Congolese francs, compared to the previous range of 3,000 to 3,500 Congolese francs.
Several oil operators have expressed their dissatisfaction and have submitted requests for a review of price structures to provincial authorities.
The situation is closely monitored by Lubumbashi residents who are feeling the impact of this strike on their daily lives. The mission led by Vital Kamerhe aims to find solutions to resolve this crisis, which not only affects fuel supply but also pump prices in the region.
