A gas shortage prevailing in Cameroon has caused a price hike. The 12-kilo bottle which usually costs CFA 6,000 is now sold in some areas at CFA 7,000, let alone that customers have to move from one place to another to look for the precious gas.
“I have already been to many sales centers but to no avail. Almost everywhere, people talk about stock shortage. After looking around, I eventually paid CFA 7,000 instead of CFA 6,000, but I had no choice,” witnessed a woman who lives in the Cameroonian economic metropolis.
The retailers explained that this situation is due to the suspension of the activities of the National Refining Company of Cameroon (SONARA) which has closed one part of the plant in view of cleaning the tanks.
This seasonal task should enable the only oil refinery, with a monthly production capacity of 4,000 tons whereas the national demand amounts to 5,000 tons of gas per month, to meet strong demands due to celebrations marking the end of the year.
Before closing the plant for a given period of time, the Director General of SONARA, Charles Metouck, had assured consumers that stocks which are available at the National Oil Distribution Company (SCDP) should cover the three-week period during which the plant will be closed.
On the basis of available stocks, the SONARA supports that the rise of prices accounts for the fact that tradesmen are inclined to take advantage of the situation.
Source African Press Agency
