Fuel shortages are putting businesses in the Republic of Congo under strain. According to the Directorate-General of the Economy (DGE), these disruptions threaten the cash flow of 30.4% of businesses and generate additional costs that affect the profits of 43% of companies. The industrial, commercial, transport, and services sectors are the hardest hit, with disruptions affecting travel, freight transport, and the operation of backup generators.
Fuel shortages pose a major challenge for businesses in the Republic of the Congo. According to a survey conducted by the Directorate-General of the Economy (DGE), 30.4% of businesses surveyed believe these disruptions threaten their cash flow, while 43% are facing additional costs that reduce their profits. The industrial, commercial, transport, and services sectors are particularly affected. Diesel is the hardest fuel to obtain, disrupting travel, freight transport, and the operation of generators.
It is important to emphasize one very important point: Congolese businesses, like all consumers, are indeed bearing the costs of the shortage of petroleum products. This is all the more significant because, for some time now, the Republic of the Congo has been experiencing power outages, meaning there is not enough electricity to meet everyone’s needs. This has resulted in significant losses, as businesses and small-scale consumers alike are forced to switch to generators, which themselves consume petroleum products.
Alphonse NDONGO, Economist
To ensure economic continuity in the Republic of the Congo, businesses are calling for sustainable measures, including the establishment of strategic reserves, prioritization of essential activities, and optimization of logistics. The goal is to prevent shortages, reduce energy costs, protect profit margins, and safeguard cash flow.
So, when you are faced with both a shortage of petroleum products and a lack of reliable, high-quality electricity supply, you can imagine the significant impact this has on the national economy.
Alphonse NDONGO, Economist
Although it produces 300,000 barrels of crude oil per day, the Republic of the Congo faces recurring fuel shortages due to its reliance on imports of refined petroleum products to make up for the domestic supply shortfall. This situation is primarily driven by disruptions in supply chains, particularly the partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz linked to the conflict between the United States and Iran.
