Benin confirms three-to-six-month fuel reserves amid pump supply strains
Benin confirms three-to-six-month fuel reserves amid pump supply strains
Government spokesperson Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji has dismissed fears of a fuel shortage, attributing recent pump-side queues to consumers shifting from informal markets where prices are higher.
Government reassures over fuel reserves stability
Benin’s strategic fuel reserves now cover between three and six months of national consumption, up from about one month earlier this year, according to government spokesperson Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji. Speaking on live television, he emphasized that current stock levels provide a buffer capable of absorbing demand surges without triggering shortages.
The announcement follows urgent meetings with oil-sector stakeholders in Cotonou on October 14, after prolonged queues emerged at service stations—particularly in northern regions. Distributors and station operators were given 48 hours to increase supply and stabilize distribution across the country.
Market dynamics shift demand to formal pumps
Nearly 70 % of gasoline and diesel consumers in Benin typically source fuel from informal markets, where prices are often lower. However, when the unofficial ‘kpayo’ market prices rise above official pump rates, a significant portion of buyers moves to formal stations, creating temporary pressure on the official supply chain.
Houngbédji noted that while this transition stabilizes consumer costs—by avoiding the higher informal prices—it also generates localized bottlenecks at service stations during peak transition periods.
Official fuel price maintained at 725 FCFA per liter
Despite rising global fuel costs, the government has kept the official pump price of gasoline steady at 725 FCFA per liter. The decision reflects an executive-level effort to protect household purchasing power amid international price volatility.
Operators in the fuel sector have been urged to expedite tanker deliveries, refill storage tanks faster, and improve customer service at pumps to reduce wait times and improve service reliability.
Regional fuel supply coordination in focus
With the northern regions experiencing the most pronounced supply delays, authorities are prioritizing coordinated logistics to ensure even distribution across all parts of the country. The government’s strategy combines stockpile management with active demand-side monitoring to prevent future disruptions.
