Cameroon

Beer Shortage Hits Cameroon as Government Rejects Price Increase

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.

Mimi Mefo Info

Washira Helene

Recent Posts

Cameroonians Among 11 Arrested in Nairobi Over Multi-Million Gold Scam

Detectives in Nairobi have arrested 11 suspects, including two Cameroonian nationals. They were arrested in…

2 hours ago

In Pictures – Labour Day 2025 Celebrated with Colour and Call for Rights in Bamenda

The 139th edition of International Labour Day was marked in Bamenda with a vibrant display…

3 hours ago

Traoré Thanks Supporters as Mass Rallies Reject Foreign Interference

Burkina Faso’s president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has expressed his gratitude to supporters around the world…

4 hours ago

Fako Trade Unions Decry Non-payment of Salaries at Labour Day Celebration

Some trade unions in Fako Division, South West Region, are urging for better working conditions…

7 hours ago

Bokwaongo Royal Family Rejects Njie Mbonde’s Designation as Chief

By Tata Mbunwe The designation of journalist Albert Njie Mbonde as Chief of Bokwaongo village…

8 hours ago

Menka Village Responds to Separatist Attacks: Kidnapping and Recovery of Stolen Equipment

Youths in Menka, a village in the Pinyin area of Cameroon’s North West Region, have…

9 hours ago