Upward Review Of Fuel Prices : Government Promises More Measures To Cushion Effects

Sequel to the partial lifting of subsidies and the upward review of the pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS (or “super”) and diesel, which took effect on February 3, 2024, a press conference was held in Yaounde on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. It was organised by the Minister of Communication, Rene Emmanuel Sadi to talk about measures to cushion the effects of the price increases. Five other cabinet ministers took part in the press conference. There were Gregoire Owona of Labour and Social Security, Jean Ernest Ngalle Bibehe of Transport, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana of Trade, Louis Paul Motaze of Finance, and Gaston Eloundou Essomba of Water and Energy.
Minister Rene Emmanuel Sadi said though the pump price of PMS had been increased to 840 FCFA per litre, and that of diesel to 828 FCFA per litre – both increases being by 15 per cent – the prices of kerosene and domestic gas remained untouched. And continue to enjoy subsidy – just like PMS and diesel. In order to cushion the effects of the upward price review, salaries of civil servants have been increased by 5 per cent.  While discussions with the private sector will soon get underway on raising the minimum wage, he announced.
Minister Ngalle Bibehe promised to hold talks with transport and related stakeholders this week on possible increases in their tariffs. He pleaded with those who have already increased transport fares to wait for the talks. Minister Louis Paul Motaze said the 5 per cent salary increase for State workers will take effect as from February 2024. He added that government planned to reduce some taxes to cushion the effects of the partial lifting of fuel subsidies. Minister Gregoire Owona said discussions will continue with social partners on cushioning th...