The police in Rumonge (southwest Burundi) imposed fines on transport agencies on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Concerned transporters are accused of having increased the price of the transport ticket in violation of the rates set by the government. Angry transporters explain that the increase in the transport ticket is linked to the lack of fuel that they can only find on the black market. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

According to an administration source, it is two transport agencies that have been hit with fines of up to 500 thousand Burundi francs per vehicle. The police explain that they are determined to « be rigorous » to enforce the law.

Currently the price of a transport ticket between the town center of Rumonge and the commercial city of Bujumbura is 10,000. Its official price is 6,500.

Administration and police authorities are raising their voices, warning traders and transporters who speculate on prices.

« Traders and transporters must respect official prices. This concerns both transport and sensitive products. Recalcitrants risk having their businesses closed… », said an advisor to the governor of Rumonge.

Transporters say that they obtain fuel on the black market at a very exorbitant price, which pushes them to increase the ticket prices so as « not to work at a loss ».

Speculation on Brarudi products

Speculation on Brarudi (Burundi Brewery Company) products is in full swing in the city of Rumonge.

The price of a 65 cl Amstel varies between 5000 and 8000 francs, its official price being set at 3500. The large Primus – 72 cl – costs between 3500 and 4500 Burundi francs while it should sell for 2500 francs officially.

Other speculations

Speculation on the price of cement-BUCECO (Burundi Cement Company) is also a reality. A 50 kg bag currently costs between 70 and 75 thousand francs. It is not found on the local market. It is sold secretly like drugs, according to residents of the town center of the province of Rumonge. This quantity is bought at 45000 francs officially.

Sugar-SOSUMO (Moso Sugar Company) is also a subject of speculation, according to administration and police sources. Its official price per kilogram is 6,000 francs, but it is normally sold for 8,000 francs, or even 10,000. The provincial authority accuses local administration officials of being complacent. Cement and sugar, which are nevertheless produced locally, remain unobtainable on the local market. Local analysts say that these two sensitive products are sent to neighboring Congo, at a very high offer in foreign currency.

Sources in Rumonge speak of measures taken to « conquer the hearts of voters disgusted by the high cost of living », on the eve of next year’s legislative and district elections.

In recent days, the Burundian Minister in charge of internal affairs Martin Niteretse has issued several notes, inviting his lieutenants to « severely sanction traders who speculate on prices ».

For the case of the two transport agencies, SOS Médias Burundi did not get the number of vehicles they have.