Photo of the week : soaring fuel prices in Bubanza and Mpanda paralyze transportation, insecurity in the DRC exacerbates the crisis

In Bubanza and Mpanda, in Bujumbura province in western Burundi, retail fuel prices have risen sharply since the capture of Uvira, in the DRC, located a few kilometers from Bujumbura, Burundi’s commercial capital and home to UN agencies and the central government. The closure of the land borders with the Congo by Burundian authorities has worsened the situation, paralyzing supplies and leading to soaring prices.

A 1.5-liter bottle of gasoline (Ikibuni) now sells for between 30,000 and 40,000 Burundi francs, compared to 15,000 to 20,000 francs just two weeks ago. Drivers of cars and motorcycles are protesting the price increase, and some have canceled trips, deeming the costs too high for both themselves and their passengers.

Shortages exacerbated by the regional security crisis

The price surge is closely linked to the insecurity in eastern DRC, where the M23, reactivated in 2021 and composed mainly of Congolese Tutsis, now controls several strategic territories in North and South Kivu, including Uvira. Clashes with the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), supported by the Wazalendo and Burundian soldiers, have disrupted cross-border supply routes.

Fuel, previously transported from Uvira via tolerated but illegal cross-border trade, is becoming scarce and expensive. On the National Road number 9, linking Bujumbura to the districts of Bubanza and Mpanda in Bujumbura province, disruptions are significant. The price of a Bujumbura-Bubanza bus ticket has increased from 8,000 to 15,000 Burundi francs, nearly doubling.

Some sources indicate that the remaining fuel comes from more distant countries such as Tanzania or Rwanda, and is sometimes dyed to be sold as the Congolese fuel, which is highly sought after on the black market.

Consequences for the population and an appeal to the government

This situation directly impacts transportation and the cost of living for residents. Drivers and passengers are making an urgent appeal to the government to :

restore a regular fuel supply;

regulate the market and combat speculation;

Ensuring the continuity of transport services between Bujumbura and the border towns.

While awaiting a stabilization of the security situation on the Burundi-Congo border, the populations of Bubanza and Mpanda remain heavily penalized by this economic and energy crisis linked to regional insecurity.

Our photo : on this road, smuggled fuel is now sold in bottles, transported in sacks, while a motorcycle waits to refuel (SOS Médias Burundi)