Fuel importers in the Central African Republic (CAR) are disputing the seizure of 160,000 litres of fuel by government authorities in Bangui, République centrafricaine. The importers claim they paid all taxes required by the State for the confiscated fuel, asserting the legality of their operations. The official price for a litre of diesel in the country is 1,250 CFA francs, a figure that notes the economic significance of the seized quantity. The dispute centers squarely on the legality of the seizure, with importers asserting their compliance with national tax regulations and challenging the government's actions.
Importers' Defense and Documentation
Importers of the seized fuel contend vehemently that the product did not originate from the black market. Instead, they assert that they adhered to all administrative and fiscal procedures required for fuel importation and distribution. This claim forms a central pillar of their defense against the government's confiscation. Documents reviewed by Radio Ndeke Luka reportedly include full receipts from the public treasury, detailed records of customs duties paid, and payments made to Mercure Logistique Centrafrique. These documents are presented as proof of the importers' compliance.
According to the importers, these necessary taxes were allegedly paid to tax services in multiple locations across the country, including Béloko, Baboua, Bouar, Bossemptélé, and PK26. The total amount paid in these taxes reportedly reached several million CFA francs, according to the documents cited by Radio Ndeke Luka, showing the substantial financial investment made by the importers. The importers' claims are central to their dispute with the government over the legality of the fuel confiscation, as they maintain their operations were entirely above board. Meanwhile, parallel market resellers have reportedly increased their prices following the shortage created by the seizure, indicating immediate market disruption.
Fuel Shortage and Market Impact
The Central African Republic government presented the seized 160,000 litres of fuel on July 5, an event that coincided with a growing scarcity in the capital. Bangui is currently experiencing a significant fuel shortage in its service stations, impacting daily life and economic activities across the city. The lack of readily available fuel has led to substantial price increases on the parallel market, where demand is now concentrated.
Diesel, for instance, is now being sold for up to 1,700 CFA francs per litre on the parallel market, a notable increase from the official price of 1,250 CFA francs. This price surge reflects the market's immediate and adverse response to the reduced supply following the government's action. The shortage has created considerable difficulties for residents and businesses reliant on fuel for transportation and power generation.
Official Response and Investigation
The Cellule de lutte contre la fraude pétrolière (Cellule) has acknowledged the authenticity of documents presented by fuel importers, a key point in the ongoing dispute. The Cellule reportedly issued authorizations to operators, permitting them to supply fuel to provincial localities that lack service stations, indicating a recognized system for certain distribution channels. This scheme involved the Cellule instituting a fee of 16,000 CFA francs per drum of product imported, a standard charge within the regulated framework.
The Cellule de lutte contre la fraude pétrolière itself replaced the former Agence pour stabilisation et régulation des produits pétroliers (ASRP), marking a change in the regulatory body overseeing fuel-related activities. In response to the escalating dispute and the claims made by the importers, a committee interministériel, coordinated by the Minister of State for Justice, was established. This committee has been tasked with investigating the fuel seizure thoroughly and impartially, aiming to clarify the legal standing of the confiscated fuel and resolve the ongoing controversy.