Exclusive interview with the Director General of Regideso: “This is not the fuel promised by the Russian Federation! »

Thursday, August 25, Regideso released a note informing any service station to come and stock up in Gitega but not to exceed 3o thousand liters (gasoline and diesel). The choice of Regideso, explains Jean Albert Manigomba, is a government decision motivated by this concern to quickly resolve the current fuel shortage. In addition to the production of electricity and

Thursday, August 25, Regideso released a note informing any service station to come and stock up in Gitega but not to exceed 3o thousand liters (gasoline and diesel). The choice of Regideso, explains Jean Albert Manigomba, is a government decision motivated by this concern to quickly resolve the current fuel shortage.

In addition to the production of electricity and water, from now on Regideso will be able to import and sell petroleum products. Can we say that she is changing her mission?

It is no open secret that for quite some time the government has been trying to solve the problem of the fuel shortage, in vain. To overcome this major problem that haunts the lives of Burundian citizens so much, he then decided to take the matter in hand by sourcing directly himself. It was in this quest that he called on the expertise of Regideso. Thus, allow it to import fuel on its behalf.

What regarding storing your fuel?

No worries, our fuel will be stored at the Gitega oil park. Regideso does not replace Interpetrol. Like other fuel importing companies whose reserves are stored in said oil park, Regideso has done the same. Via an agreement, we have agreed with the company Interpetrol so that we can store our fuel there. As I speak to you, 75 tank trucks have already entered the national territory. And more than 100 are on the way.

With the entry of Regideso on behalf of the government in the import circuit, can we say that the lack of foreign currency is a story far behind us?

I can’t guarantee anything. For your information, I would tell you that the money allocated to importing these petroleum products did not appear in the current budget. However, as there is an emergency, the government has pulled out all the stops to find the necessary money. And given the many ongoing projects that require a large supply of petroleum products (Jiji-Murembwe, Rusumo Falls, etc.), I dare to hope that the government will be able to find the right solution whenever necessary.

Of the 25 million liters of fuel that the country needs monthly, how much will Regideso import?

I repeat, Regideso has not replaced these other companies specializing in the importation of fuel. All the more reason the government continues to give them foreign currency. If I remember correctly, from the government Interpetrol received regarding 10 million US dollars. The objective is that there is no longer a shortage of fuel. However, this objective cannot be achieved if these other companies do not supply the fuel. By integrating Regideso into the import circuit, the government wants to give a hand to these companies that are often late in delivering.

Of course, the government will continue to give foreign currency to these companies. But, is it Regideso that will be prioritized?

It is difficult now to say who will be prioritized or not. The only certainty is that Regideso will import a large quantity of fuel, approaching more than 20 million liters of fuel. Moreover, private companies such as Interpetrol, Prestige, Bupp, etc., will continue to perform their duties by importing fuel. Otherwise, if they don’t do it when the government has granted them foreign currency, I think the authorized officials will know what to do.

In public opinion, it is said that this fuel being sent would be the aid promised by the Russian Federation to the Burundian government. Your reaction.

One thing is certain, it is not this fuel support promised by the Russian Federation. Do we have to pay for help? The Government of Burundi has made a formal order. People should know that from now on Regideso has an import license duly issued by the government. And the fuel along the way was purchased by the Government of Burundi.

Interview by Hervé Mugisha