The province of Cibitoke, located in the northwest of Burundi, is facing a fuel shortage that is paralyzing all economic and social activities. Public transport bus parking lots are deserted, with drivers preferring to leave their vehicles at home due to the total lack of fuel. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

This crisis has major repercussions, particularly for farmers and local traders. Tomatoes and mangoes grown in the region are rotting due to the lack of transport to markets in large cities such as Bujumbura, the country’s main commercial center. Local markets are not enough to absorb production, thus increasing economic losses.

In addition, the price of transport tickets has tripled, according to users. « For the 80-kilometer Rugombo-Bujumbura trip, fares have climbed to unsustainable levels : between 30,000 and 35,000 Burundi francs for buses, and up to 40,000 or even 45,000 francs for shared taxis, » explain residents of the town center of Cibitoke.

Dry petrol stations

On Friday, January 17, none of the twelve petrol stations in the province were supplied with gasoline or diesel. Residents report that « transport has come to a complete standstill. Minibuses, Probox cars and motorcycle taxis are parked in the enclosures. » This situation has lasted for more than two weeks.

Controversial measures by the authorities

Faced with this crisis, provincial authorities have banned the importation of fuel from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a neighbor that is nevertheless close and strategic for supplies. This decision led to the arrest of thirty minibus and motorcycle taxi drivers, accused of smuggling fuel from the other side of the river Rusizi.

Price increases and social impact

Prices of fuel on the black market are reaching new heights : a litre and a half of gasoline costs between 45,000 and 50,000 Burundi francs, the official price of a liter of gasoline being set at 4,000 francs.

This surge in prices is exacerbating economic difficulties of inhabitants, who are already facing galloping inflation. Farmers, unable to transport their products, are suffering colossal losses. Many are also unable to repay loans taken out to finance their activities.

Calls for action

Inhabitants of Cibitoke are urging authorities to find a rapid solution to this fuel shortage. They are asking the administration and security forces to lift the ban on the importation of fuel from the DRC, in order to allow a minimum supply and relieve the population.

However, the governor of Cibitoke is taking a firm stance, calling on local authorities and border guards to step up the fight against smuggling.

Carême Bizoza has threatened cross-border traffickers with severe sanctions, accusing them of undermining the national economy.