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The Congolese government authorities have decided to increase by 5%, from January 31, 2023, the price of super and diesel at the pump. This is the result of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which required a higher rise. Above all, he asks Congo-Brazzaville to stop subsidizing petroleum products. The increase, although slight, is rejected by consumers.
From our correspondent in Brazzaville,
The IMF wanted an increase of 50 to 65% from January 1st. Negotiations between the two parties have been difficult, according to Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso, who is delighted to have obtained an acceptable level of increase.
The liter of Super goes from 595 to 625 CFA francs (i.e. from 0.90 to 0.95 Euro) and that of diesel from 475 to 500 CFA francs (from 0.72 to 0.76 euro), an increase of 5 %. At the IMF, the head of the Congolese government gives assurances. “At the request of the President of the Republic, the government has been instructed to work to demonstrate to the International Monetary Fund that this increase can be enough, and with other reforms that the government is going to undertake, we can prevent ourselves from proceeding with other increases beyond this 5%. But, we will work“, indicated Mr. Collinet Makosso.
Refusal to raise electricity prices
Brazzaville has not agreed to increase the price of electricity, also wanted by the IMF. Dieudonné Moussala, president of the Congolese Association for the Defense of Consumer Rights (ACDDC) criticizes the government for having negotiated with the IMF without involving civil society.
« At this level, we thought that the government would do better to take our advice before going to see the partners. You know, there were (in the past) negotiations for Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). But, the Congo had not signed because of the analyzes made by civil society“, he noted.
A rise in prices shunned by consumers
Dieudonné Moussala now fears a general rise in prices. “The increase in the price of fuel at the level of carriers! They will find an excuse to also increase the cost of tickets. And, the trader will profit the price of foodstuffs for example“, he analyzed.
The increase in the price of fuel, although minimal, is mostly shunned by consumers. “Already, the fuel to have it in Brazzaville, it is difficult: you have to queue. And, if it becomes even more expensive, it will not suit us. From 595 to 625 CFA francs per liter of Super, it is important given that we are an oil country, it does not help matters. I don’t know how this increase can be justified given that we are an oil and exporting country“, they said in turn.
In Congo, the prices of petroleum products had remained stable at the pump since 2008.
