Numerous beer parlours in Douala and other regions of Cameroon are grappling with a shortage of the country’s beloved beverage, beer.
The scarcity first became noticeable early this January following the Ministry of Commerce’s dismissal of proposed price hikes from brewery companies.
That was after Les Brasseries du Cameroun (now Boisson du Cameroun) announced a FCFA 100 increase on regular beers in December 2023. The brewery company attributed it to inflation-driven spikes in raw material costs and transportation expenses.
However, the Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, has cautioned alcoholic beverage producers against ‘unilateral price adjustments’, emphasising the need for proper approval to avoid violations of existing regulations.
Numerous retailers attribute the current scarcity to the minister’s rejection of the proposed price increase.
Jacques, who is a vendor in Douala, stated, “For a week now, I do not have beer to sell. It’s scarce. When you order, no one comes to serve you. I have only juice here.”
Another beer parlour owner in Douala said, “I think the scarcity is because Les Brasseries is displeased with the minister’s decision since they wanted to increase prices, and it was rejected. Almost all bars in this neighbourhood do not have beer. It’s really affecting our business.”
Consumers’ worries
Consumers are echoing the concerns of vendors, urging swift resolution as beer remains an integral part of Cameroonian culture. A consumer in Douala lamented, “I cannot spend a day without drinking at least a bottle of beer. It is already part of my routine. But for the past four days, it’s difficult to get a bottle because it is becoming scarce, according to what the vendors are saying.”
Another consumer emphasised the inconceivability of a beer shortage during the ongoing AFCON, stating, “Imagine beer being scarce in this time of AFCON. It’s unimaginable. Brasseries should not even start this disorder. They should release their stocks. Beer is the only thing keeping most Cameroonians going in these hard times.”
While there has been no official statement from alcohol producers regarding the shortage or a potential price hike, the scarcity is gradually spreading to other towns, and it is widely linked to the government’s rejection of the proposed price increase scheduled to take effect on January 1st.
