Sahel countries among African nations raising fuel prices
A petrol station in Mauritania's capital Nouakchott.
Sahel countries are among African states raising fuel prices as the war with Iran pushes global oil costs higher and disrupts supply, Reuters reported on April 1st.
Mauritania raised petrol prices by 15.3% and diesel by 10%. Economic Affairs Minister Abdallah Ould Souleymane said the government would introduce support measures, including raising the minimum wage and providing cash transfers to low-income households.
The country is also expanding fuel storage to limit the impact of global supply disruptions, Energy Capital & Power reported on March 25th.
Authorities in Mali have also announced fuel price increases, reflecting similar pressures in Sahel countries that rely heavily on imported petroleum products.
Similar pressures have been reported in North Africa. Egypt raised fuel prices by up to 30% in March and introduced energy-saving measures, including early business closures and reduced electricity use, to limit rising costs linked to the conflict.
Across the continent, governments have introduced further increases as they pass on higher import costs. In Ghana, petrol rose by about 15% to 13.30 cedis per litre for the April 1st to 15th pricing window, while diesel increased by around 19% to 17.10 cedis.
President John Mahama said the government was considering measures to cushion the impact, including reducing fuel margins and reviewing a recently introduced levy on petroleum products.
He also raised the possibility of a supply agreement with Nigeria’s Dangote refinery to secure alternative sources of refined fuel. Ghana imports about 70% of its refined petroleum.
In southern and eastern Africa, Malawi raised petrol prices by 34% and diesel by 35%, while Tanzania increased both fuels by about 33% under a new price cap in Dar es Salaam. Authorities in Tanzania said supply remained adequate.
South Africa said on March 31st it would reduce its fuel levy for one month to limit further price increases in April, following pressure from trade unions and business groups.
The Gambia also raised fuel prices, with petrol increasing by 18.79% and diesel by 12.20%, while Botswana has announced similar increases.
The increases come as global oil prices rise following disruptions linked to the Iran war.
Reuters, Energy Capital and Power, Maghrebi.org
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