Congo: Fuel shortage continues in Brazzaville November 7

Event

A severe fuel shortage continues to affect the capital city of Brazzaville as of Tuesday, November 7. The shortage has affected gas stations in the capital since August, with reports of long-lines and higher prices at open stations.  It is likely that the problem will persist through November as authorities work to find a solution to the shortage.

Context

Shortages of petroleum products are not uncommon in Congo, despite it being one of the top five oil-producing countries in Africa. The current shortage is due to unrest in Pool department impeding rail traffic between Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville, the route on which the majority of fuel for the capital is transported. The situation is exacerbated by illegal fuel distribution networks in Brazzaville, which police are actively seeking to disrupt.

Advice

Individuals present in Congo are advised to fill up vehicles whenever gasoline is available, to ensure sufficient fuel reserves before all long journeys, and to expect longer waiting times at gas stations.

On a separate note, certain Western governments advise against nonessential travel to Pool department (where assaults have been reported in the past) as well as within 50 km (30 mi) of the Central African Republic border, where separatist groups and criminal organizations are active.