Residents of Bujumbura and Gitega, successively the commercial and political capitals of Burundi, are facing skyrocketing food and transportation prices. This increase, which has seen some costs double, is mainly attributed to the fuel shortage that is paralyzing the country.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

This crisis is exacerbated by the lack of foreign currency.

The Burundi Central Bank (BRB) is struggling to raise foreign currency to import fuel, leading to a shortage of oil at petrol stations. The result : prices are skyrocketing and inflation is affecting all sectors. « Before, a taxi ride cost 2,000 Burundi francs; today, it costs at least 4,000 francs, » says a Bujumbura resident.

Controversial management of the fuel market

The situation has deteriorated with the restructuring of the fuel market. Traditional importers have been sidelined in favor of new players, mostly of Tanzanian and Arab origin, leading to poor inventory management and regular diversions.

« The little fuel available is often reserved for a select few or sold on the black market, » confides a petrol station attendant on condition of anonymity.

Corruption and favoritism: unfair distribution

Fuel management is also marked by corrupt practices. In some stations, police officers responsible for supervising distribution are accused of complicity in the diversion of fuel.

« If you don’t have a bill, you have no chance of getting fuel, even when it’s available, » says a motorcycle taxi rider in Gitega. This situation is forcing many transporters to buy fuel on the black market at exorbitant prices, which has a direct impact on the cost of transportation and food.

Purchasing power in freefall

With the energy crisis, the cost of basic necessities continues to rise.

« The price of rice and oil has almost doubled. Many families are struggling to feed themselves, » laments a trader at Cotebu Market in northern Bujumbura.

This price surge is putting a strain on the daily lives of Burundian households, already weakened by a difficult economic climate.

An urgent call for sustainable solutions

Faced with this critical situation, the population and economic stakeholders are calling for urgent measures to stabilize the fuel market and put an end to fraudulent practices.

« We must establish transparency in inventory management and guarantee fair access for importers, » pleads a member of ABUCO (Burundian Consumers Association).

While authorities struggle to find lasting solutions, residents of Bujumbura and Gitega continue to suffer the consequences of this crisis, hoping for rapid change.

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Long queues of vehicles at a petrol station in the commercial city of Bujumbura, October 17, 2024 (SOS Médias Burundi)