Chad’s first oil refinery, a joint venture with China National Petroleum Company, last month suspended production, saying the price agreed with Chadian authorities to supply them was driving it into heavy losses.
The price hike comes as several countries across West and Central Africa — including Cameroon, Nigeria and Guinea — have come under pressure to slash state subsidies on petroleum products, which are eating into government budgets.
The price of a litre of petrol in Chad has risen to 490 CFA francs from 330 CFA, while diesel has risen to 495 CFA from 374 CFA, according to a government statement read on state television over the weekend.
A 6 kg bottle of cooking gas now costs 2,900 CFA, up from 1,900 CFA, the statement added.
Daouda El Hadj Adam, president of national consumer association, said he was “stunned” by the move.
“It is unacceptable. The prices must come down immediately. The government must get civil society involved in talks so we can agree on the price,” Adam added.
Mbailassem, who was lined up at an Oil Libya petrol station in N’Djamena, accused the government of being insensitive.
“Instead of paying nearly 500 francs, I will go to Kousserie (in neighbouring Cameroon) to buy my fuel for 350 francs,” he added.