By Tata Mbunwe
The Cameroon Government has kept its promised increase in fuel prices, in a move that has further exacerbated the already dire economic situation for citizens.
In a release on February 2, the government announced that the cost of petrol will surge from FCFA 730 to FCFA 840 starting from February 3, 2024.
This surge marks an absolute increase of FCFA 110 in the price of petrol and a relative increase of 15%.
This decision comes just a month after President Paul Biya hinted at discontinuing fuel subsidies during his end-of-year speech on December 31, 2023.
“You must be aware that to maintain pump prices of fuel at their current levels, which are far below those in neighbouring countries, the State has to make huge financial sacrifices to subsidize petroleum product imports,” he said.
“[…]we will most certainly have no choice but to reduce it further, we will ensure that the requisite adjustments do not significantly impact the purchasing power of households,” he promised.
Fuel subsidies reportedly cost Cameroon approximately FCFA 640 billion (about 1 billion dollars) in 2023, down from over FCFA 1,000 billion (approximately 1.7 billion dollars) in 2022.
Biya acknowledged the necessity of these adjustments but pledged to ensure they do not significantly impact the purchasing power of households.
Subsequently, the Secretary General at the Prime Minister’s Office, Seraphin Magloire Fouda, asserted that the recent measure aimed to address “growing budgetary constraints” on the national budget.
However, this move adds to the challenges faced by ordinary Cameroonians, as the prices of fuel, cooking oil, wheat, building materials, and other essential commodities have been steadily rising since the outbreak of the Ukraine war in 2022.
By the end of September 2023, Cameroon experienced an annual average inflation rate of 7.8%.
The National Institute of Statistics attributed this increase to rising food prices and transport costs, with inflation rates reaching 12.8% and 11.5%, respectively.
The fuel price hike is expected to trigger a cascade effect, leading to increased transportation fares and, consequently, higher prices for basic commodities.
This development has prompted concerns among citizens, with the government anticipating potential strikes and protests.
In response, Magloire Fouda stated that the government would engage in ongoing dialogues with consumer association representatives to mitigate the impact on household purchasing power.
Administrative authorities, such as Emmanuel Mariel Djikdent, Senior Divisional Officer of Mfoundi Division where the capital city Yaoundé is located, have called for heightened alertness among the police and the military.
FRUSTRATION AMONG CAMEROONIANS
Cameroonians have expressed their frustration and helplessness in the face of these measures, with sentiments of disappointment and disillusionment evident in their reactions.
Kum Kizito Ghah emphasized the enduring struggles of many citizens and the resilience of those who cling to hope for a better future.
“Some of us have been struggling since the existence of this government. As long as the poor who cannot afford food for his family still lives with hope that things will one day change for the better then he’s brave enough to say he’s a man,” he said.
Asiboh Desmond voiced a sense of disenchantment, stating that Cameroon is no longer interesting and suggesting that people are merely enduring their circumstances due to being born into them.
Tewu Valentine lamented the government’s decision, branding it as a shameful act.
“It’s a shame on the government that instead of having pity on the masses they have once again decided to mete their anger on them,” he said.
