The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Judith Suminwa Tuluka, has expressed concern over the long queues at fuel stations in Kinshasa, the country's capital. She has urged the government to take immediate action to improve fuel distribution and prevent further disruptions to the city's transportation system. The issue was discussed during the 100th meeting of the Council of Ministers, chaired by President Félix Tshisekedi.
Judith Suminwa Tuluka has instructed the Minister of Hydrocarbons and relevant authorities to take urgent measures to ensure a regular supply of fuel to Kinshasa's stations and major towns. She emphasized the need to strengthen the operational capacity to transport and distribute fuel products. The Prime Minister also called for the acceleration of the construction of a new pipeline to secure the long-term supply of the western part of the country.
The fuel supply crisis in Kinshasa has led to long queues at stations, with motorists and drivers waiting for hours to fill up. Some people have resorted to carrying jerrycans to buy fuel. The Ministry of Hydrocarbons has assured the public that there is no general shortage of fuel, but rather a temporary slowdown in supply due to high demand. The government has attributed the current difficulties to a surge in demand and logistical challenges.
Judith Suminwa Tuluka has also denounced the practice of some transporters who take advantage of the fuel shortages to unilaterally increase public transportation fares, which negatively impacts the purchasing power of the population. She has instructed the relevant authorities to monitor the situation and take measures to prevent any further abuses. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for coordination between different stakeholders to address the issue.
The government has taken steps to address the fuel supply crisis, including the publication of a communiqué by the Minister of Hydrocarbons to clarify the situation. The Ministry has assured the public that it is working with sector operators to strengthen distribution and restore normalcy. Judith Suminwa Tuluka has reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining stable fuel prices and protecting the purchasing power of the population.
The fuel supply issues in Kinshasa have sparked concerns about the regularity of fuel supplies in the capital. On September 8, 2026, the Ministry of Hydrocarbons denied any shortage, stating that available stocks were sufficient to meet Kinshasa's needs. The government has urged calm, assuring the public that it is working to resolve the issue.
Judith Suminwa Tuluka's initiative aims to address the fuel supply crisis and prevent further disruptions to Kinshasa's transportation system. The government is working to strengthen the country's logistical capacity to meet the growing demand for fuel. The Prime Minister has emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to address the issue and ensure a stable fuel supply.
Key points
- The DR Congo government is working to address fuel supply issues in Kinshasa by increasing operational distribution capacities and accelerating the construction of a new pipeline.
- The fuel supply crisis has led to long queues at stations and increased public transportation fares.
- The government has assured the public that it is working to maintain stable fuel prices and protect the purchasing power of the population.
