Didier Budimbu, The DRC Minister of Hydrocarbons exchanges with oil companies on the storage and supply of petroleum products

The Congolese Minister of Hydrocarbons, Didier Budimbu, exchanged, this Friday, May 6, 2022, with the heads of various oil companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

During this meeting, three points were the subject of the debate between the Minister Didier Budimbu and the heads of the oil companies, namely:

• the situation of stocks in the terminals with a view to evaluating the coverage of different products and the arrival program for new tankers, especially Jet A1 for which the situation is critical;

• The situation of the shipment of products in transit: reminder of the Minister’s instruction namely “no volume can be moved without his prior agreement”.

• Reminder of instruction relating to the collection of strategic stocks by the DGDA.

The oil operators presented a picture of the situation to the Minister of Hydrocarbons regarding the storage of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel in the various structures set up for this purpose.

The Director General of SEP Congo, Joseph Kouame, in his role as rapporteur for the occasion, reported on the level of storage of petroleum products which can still be used for nearly three (3) weeks while waiting for the arrival at the quay of a few boats. announced a week for a new planned supply.

It was an opportunity for Minister Didier Budimbu to express his willingness to work for the creation of a structure that watches over the strategic reserve in order to prepare for any eventuality.

At this level, it is important to note that the DGDA levies a given amount per cubic meter.

To avoid the shortage, the Minister Didier Budimbu promises to erect storage structures with the funds collected by the DGDA in order to maintain a strategic reserve.

Instead of keeping it in cash (sums of money), Didier Budimbu brings a new reform, for obvious reasons mentioned above. A proposal welcomed with real satisfaction by the oil operators who believe that in the event of a deficiency, the strategic reserve will be able to take over and prevent the shortage.