Central African Republic faces protests over fuel price increase

Civil society groups and trade unions in the Central African Republic are calling on the government to reverse a fuel price increase, warning that higher transport costs could push up food prices.

From October 1, gasoline for private motorists rose from 1,050 to 1,150 CFA francs per liter, or about 1.96 U.S. dollars, while diesel increased from 1,250 to 1,400 francs, or around 2.38 dollars.

Large-volume buyers now pay 1,500 CFA francs for gasoline and 1,650 francs for diesel. Fuel shortages are already common in the capital, Bangui, making the increase an additional burden on household budgets.

Trade unions have joined the protests and called for the decision to be reversed, while civil society groups announced a nationwide action for October 12.

Quentin Ngbouando, coordinator of the I-Gue civil society group, said the new prices fail to reflect the difficult economic conditions faced by ordinary people and called for broader public mobilization.

The government says the increase is linked to higher global fuel prices. Government spokesperson Evariste Ngamana said the state had previously subsidized fuel but could no longer maintain the same level of support.

As a landlocked country that imports all of its fuel, the Central African Republic remains highly exposed to changes in global energy prices.

According to CCTV+, further increases in transport costs could also raise prices for essential goods and put additional pressure on household incomes.