Gabon: Protests likely over rising fuel prices

Event

The price of fuel has seen a sharp increase in Gabon since early December. As of December 6, the price of regular gasoline had increased by CFA 605 (USD 1.09) per liter, and the price of diesel by CFA 540 (USD 0.97) per liter. While no protests or industrial actions have been planned thus far, spontaneous demonstrations or transportation strikes cannot be ruled out in the coming days.

Context

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.