04 Jun 2018 | 12:10 PM UTC
Gabon: Unrest over rising fuel prices possible
Protests and strike over rising fuel and gas prices are possible; avoid all gatherings
Event
Unions throughout the country have threatened to take concrete measures against the sharp rise of fuel prices. Demonstrations and strikes are therefore possible in the coming days and weeks, notably in the capital Libreville. If strikes and demonstrations take place, significant disruptions are possible nationwide.
Context
The price of fuel has seen a sharp increase since 2016. The price of regular gasoline had increased from CFA 530 to 670 (USD 0.94 to 1.19) per liter, the price of diesel from CFA 470 to 635 CFA (USD 0.84 to 1.13) per liter, and the price of gas from CFA 4550 to 5950 (USD 8.09 to 10.58).
Numerous protests have taken place in Gabon in recent months, mostly over socioeconomic issues and to denounce government austerity policies. The Gabonese economy has suffered from the fall in global oil prices, upon which most of the country's revenues depend. Port-Gentil, the economic capital where oil activities are concentrated, has been especially hard-hit.
Advice
All those present in Gabon are advised to closely monitor developments to the situation and avoid all public gatherings due to the risk of violence, which can flare up with little warning.
