Bamenda car owners and bike riders have been seen scurrying for fuel numerous times and at multiple gas stations whenever they notice that a station has been stocked.
Although the cost of a liter of fuel has risen to FCFA 900 and occasionally even higher, some taxi drivers in the city claim that their current issue is not with the cost but instead with the scarcity of the priceless liquid.
"Because the government approved these and there is nothing we can do about it, we are not complaining about the price. Instead, we protest that there is no fuel in the city.
We protest that there is no fuel in the city. Recently, all of the Total stations in this town had no power. The people there tell you they are still waiting each time you pass," a taxi driver told CNA.
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Some claim that even when a small amount of fuel enters a town, one must know someone who has access to it because orders are often placed well before the fuel's arrival.
Imagine visiting a gas station and finding only large gallons, only to be informed that someone has already reserved them. In Bamenda, even fungus, or unrefined fuel, is in short supply. I'm seeing this for the first time.
Meanwhile, others have decided to leave their cars parked and wait for a while. They claim that they won't reveal themselves until the situation improves. Passengers and travelers are bearing the brunt of this situation due to the higher prices that taxis and bike riders charge due to "increasing fuel prices."
Authorities have not yet provided any specific justification for the shortage in Bamenda. While some attribute it to difficulties entering the city due to security concerns, others claim that the situation is similar in major cities like Douala and Yaounde.
The Secretary-General at the Prime Minister's office issued a press release on January 31, 2023, announcing a 15% increase in fuel prices.
In addition, the release stated that starting on February 1, 2023, the cost of premium grade gasoline (super) would rise from FCFA 630 to FCFA 730 per liter, the price of diesel (gasoil) would increase from FCFA 575 to FCFA 720 per liter, and the cost of petroleum sold by SCDP to industries would be F CFA 560.19.
