Cameroon Seizes 198,645 Litres of Illicit Fuel, Where Did it Go?

Cameroon's illicit fuel economy

An investigation conducted by MMI has revealed that the Cameroon government seized 1,249 barrels—equivalent to 198,645 litres—of illicit fuel between February 2024 and May 2025. These seizures were carried out by the National Brigade Against Fraud of Petroleum Products under the Ministry of Water Resources and Energy, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

The data was compiled from 23 Facebook posts by the ministry detailing regional operations. Seizures occurred in only four regions: Centre, Littoral, East, and South.

Regional Breakdown of Seizures

According to the compiled data:

Centre Region: 93,044 litres
Littoral Region: 82,387 litres
East Region: 14,584 litres
South Region: 8,640 litres

Unclear Disposal of Confiscated Fuel

Despite consistent operations, the Ministry of Water Resources and Energy has not publicly disclosed what happens to most of the confiscated fuel. Of the total volume seized, only 49,520 litres were officially sent to the Société Camerounaise de Dépôts Pétroliers (SCDP) for further processing.

“The ministry specifically mentions it,” notes the investigation. However, the fate of the remaining 149,125 litres remains unclear.

In other sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, confiscated contraband is often destroyed publicly. In contrast, fuel seizures are not accompanied by transparent disposal processes. Findings suggest that some seized fuel may be re-sold, raising questions about accountability and beneficiaries.

Cameroon’s Refining Challenges

Although Cameroon is one of the top producers of crude oil in Central Africa, it still imports refined petroleum products. The country’s sole refinery, SONARA, does not process light crude oil—used domestically—but instead refines heavy crude for export.

Smuggling Networks and Border Oversight

The Ministry has not disclosed who is behind the smuggling operations. However, MMI sources indicate that some security personnel at border points may be complicit.
Illicit fuel continues to be sold openly on the streets, and some licensed gas stations have been implicated.

For example:

On February 15 and 17, 2025, a gas station attendant at Emana Ola was arrested for filling a 1,000-litre container with illegal fuel.
On October 15 and 18, 2024, a worker at Total Energies in Ayos was caught handling two large drums of contraband fuel (250L and 200L respectively).

Economic and Environmental Impacts

According to Minister Gaston Eloundou Essomba, most illicit fuels are adulterated, posing risks to both the environment and public safety.
He added that smuggling results in financial losses for the government and contributes to fire hazards and health concerns.

The Ministry states that its enforcement actions are aimed at ensuring: