The government of Benin has taken significant measures to ease the lives of its citizens, particularly in the area of domestic gas supply. On September 30, 2026, the Minister of Internal Trade and Economy Formalization, Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, met with operators in the gas sector to discuss ways to improve the availability and accessibility of domestic gas. The meeting resulted in the approval of two key measures: the interchangeability of gas cylinders and a promotion on domestic gas kits.
The interchangeability of gas cylinders means that consumers can now exchange their empty cylinders for full ones from different brands. This move is expected to increase the availability of gas cylinders and reduce the difficulties faced by consumers in accessing them. According to Hugues William Danhoumé, Director-General of Oryx Gaz Bénin Sa and spokesperson for the distributors, the technical teams are finalizing the operational framework, and the practical modalities of exchange will be communicated soon.
The second measure approved is the launch of a promotion on domestic gas kits, which will start on October 1, 2026, to mark the "Mois du consommons local" (Local Consumption Month). As part of this promotion, gas operators have committed to reducing the prices of the first kit, which includes the cylinder and its accessories. A direct subsidy will be applied by the distributors on the purchase of the initial kit, making it more affordable for households.
To ensure that the promotion reaches the target audience, the government and distributors will widely communicate the points of sale concerned. This will enable households to equip themselves with domestic gas kits near their homes. The government has also recalled the homologated prices in force for the recharge of gas cylinders to avoid speculation. The 3 kg cylinder will be sold at 2,000 CFA francs, and the 6 kg cylinder at 4,500 CFA francs.
The government has also warned operators against imposing any surcharges on the subventioned tariffs. Consumers are encouraged to report any cases of non-compliance with the official prices to the customer services of the brands via their dedicated numbers. This will enable the authorities to take swift action against any retailer found guilty of contravening the regulations.
The measures approved by the government are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of households in Benin. The interchangeability of gas cylinders and the promotion on domestic gas kits will increase access to domestic gas, reduce costs, and promote local consumption. The government has demonstrated its commitment to improving the well-being of its citizens, and these measures are a step in the right direction.
The implementation of these measures is a result of the government's efforts to promote local consumption and improve the availability of essential goods and services. The Minister of Internal Trade and Economy Formalization, Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, has reiterated the government's commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure that the measures are effective and beneficial to the target audience.
Key points
- The Benin government has approved the interchangeability of gas cylinders and launched a promotion on domestic gas kits to ease the lives of its citizens.
- The interchangeability of gas cylinders will enable consumers to exchange their empty cylinders for full ones from different brands.
- The promotion on domestic gas kits will reduce the prices of the first kit, making it more affordable for households.
