Witnesses indicate that transport has become a headache. Basic necessities are on the rise following the measure to suspend illegal fuel trafficking from the DR Congo since Wednesday, July 24. The population is asking the government to review this situation. The governor, for his part, persists and warns speculators. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

There has been a general increase in transport tickets for travel within and outside this province in the northwest of Burundi following the hunt for fuel traffickers.

To get fuel, it is imperative to get supplies from the DR Congo. But since last Wednesday, we have witnessed the arrest followed by the imprisonment of fuel traffickers.

This is happens at a time when several thousand liters have already been seized by the police and the administration.

Consequences were not long in coming

According to various concordant sources, the Rugombo-Bujumbura (commercial city) transport ticket has increased from 15,000 to 20,000 francs, while for the Rugombo-Bukinanyana route, one must pay 28,000 instead of 18,000 francs previously.

Travelers no longer know what to do and in most cases, the transport ticket, especially within the districtls, has increased from single to triple for those traveling on motorcycles.

This is the case for those taking the Rugombo-Mugina-Mabayi route.

The ticket has increased significantly, from 8,000 to 12,000 francs, or even more.

Same scenario for the Buganda-Murwi transport, yet two close districts, only ten kilometers apart, the ticket has just crossed the 10,000 franc mark while the same trip cost only 5,000 francs, barely a week ago.

Repercussions also affect prices of foodstuffs

The kilo of rice and beans has gone from 3000 to 3700 and from 2300 and 2800 francs respectively.

The high cost of living is taking on such proportions that inhabitants say they are desperate.

« Life is becoming complicated and no one seems able to remedy this situation », laments a government official established in the town center of Cibitoke for about twenty years.

This father of 5 children says that before the measure prohibiting traffickers from getting fuel from the other side of the Rusizi, a 20-liter can was bought for 200,000 while the same quantity is currently sold for 270,000, and even more.

This situation also affects the organization of social events.

According to several local sources, wedding parties and burial and mourning ceremonies are disrupted due to this severe fuel shortage.

Overall, some residents contacted urge state authorities to let traders get fuel from the DR Congo until a viable solution is found.

The information collected on site indicates that the order to prevent clandestine traders from bringing fuel from Congo came from the highest levels of the State and is now being implemented primarily by the provincial governor.

He confirms the facts and indicates that such a measure is being taken to avoid accidents following fires that could be caused by the poor storage of fuel.