Cameroonian Government Announces Subsidies for Kerosene and Domestic Gas

This initiative aims to ensure continued public access to kerosene at service stations at a fixed price of 350 FCFA per liter and domestic gas at 6,500 FCFA per 12 kg bottle.

During a government briefing in Yaoundé on February 6, 2024, the Minister of Water and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba, disclosed that 43.6 billion FCFA will be allocated to subsidize domestic gas, a decrease from the 75 billion FCFA allocated in 2022. The remaining 20 billion FCFA will be dedicated to supporting kerosene consumption. This decision comes in the wake of a 15% increase in the prices of super and diesel in Cameroon since February 3, 2024.

Despite the recent price hikes in petroleum products, kerosene and domestic gas prices remain unchanged due to their sensitivity. Minister Gaston Eloundou Essomba emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining stable prices to alleviate the financial burden on households and vulnerable groups.

The price adjustments, aligned with Cameroon's economic program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will not only contribute to budgetary stability but also provide distributors with increased cash flow, thereby enhancing operational flexibility.

In 2023, Cameroon faced significant shortages of petroleum products, attributed by the government to supply delays caused by financial challenges. According to the Minister of Communication, René Emmanuel Sadi, the subsidy for petroleum products amounted to 1,000 billion FCFA in 2022, decreasing to 640 billion FCFA in 2023 following the initial pump price increase on February 1, 2023. The projected subsidy for 2024 underscores the government's ongoing commitment to supporting consumers amidst fluctuating petroleum prices.

As the government continues its efforts to stabilize prices and ensure accessibility to essential energy resources, these subsidies represent a vital lifeline for Cameroonian households, safeguarding their access to affordable kerosene and domestic gas.

Reporting from Yaoundé,
Chi Godlove,
Cameroon Concord