Central African Republic Temporarily Requisitions Tamoil Service Stations Amid Fuel Crisis

Bangui, Central African Republic — The Central African Republic (CAR) has announced the temporary requisition of six out of eleven Tamoil service stations in Bangui to address a severe fuel shortage. This measure, set to last for 45 days, aims to ensure a regular fuel supply, facilitate salary payments, and maintain tax contributions, according to Minister of Energy Development and Hydraulic Resources, Arthur Bertrand Piri.

Earlier, Minister Piri fined Tamoil 200 million CFA francs (approximately 300,000 euros) for failing to maintain adequate fuel supplies. In defense, Tamoil highlighted that since September, the Cameroonian company Neptune has held exclusive import rights, complicating their ability to secure sufficient fuel.

Recently, gasoline shortages have affected both former Total stations and their competitors, with private companies struggling to obtain adequate fuel supplies. The shortages are largely due to limited stock and insufficient supplies being transported by road from Douala.

Despite ongoing disputes since acquiring Total's operations, Tamoil's owner, Rochefort & Associates, remains dedicated to addressing the crisis. Their focus includes reopening provincial stations and resuming airport activities.

Bangui, the capital, has been the hardest hit by the fuel shortages that have plagued the CAR for over a month. Long lines of cars and motorcycles queue at service stations, hoping to secure fuel. Most stations are closed, while the few that remain open struggle to meet demand, often running out of fuel by around 10 a.m. local time. This scarcity has driven the price per liter from 2,000 to 3,000 francs.

The crisis has forced street vendors to cross into neighboring Congo to procure fuel, which they then resell at high prices. The economic impact is already significant, with growing concerns across the country.

The temporary management of Tamoil stations by the CAR authorities is intended to stabilize the situation. However, the long-term solution requires addressing the supply chain issues and ensuring consistent fuel imports. As the 45-day period progresses, the effectiveness of this intervention will be closely monitored, with hopes of alleviating the ongoing fuel crisis in Bangui and beyond.