Ruptly
"Beni residents appealed for government support as rising fuel prices and shortages put additional pressure on households and transport businesses, with tensions in global oil supplies continuing to send shockwaves worldwide. Footage filmed on Saturday shows motorists standing in line at a petrol filling station while some locals are also seen filling drums to secure fuel. "We are told that this increase is linked to conflicts in oil-producing countries, particularly Iraq and Iran. But once this fuel arrives at the Congolese borders, the government makes the situation even worse by adding various taxes," said one motorist. "We are asking the government for help. In Beni, we already live in very difficult conditions. [...] The rise in fuel prices is making our daily lives even worse. We don't know what to do anymore," he added. Pump technician Fidele Musoki explained that the rising fuel costs are due to several factors, including taxes and 'shortage at the distribution source', forcing merchants to adjust prices. "When we see a tax increase, [...] which demands certain amounts from us that don't allow us to balance the normal fuel price. As a merchant, we can't spend where there won't be a profit, which is why we too have adjusted the normal fuel price," he said. "The more taxes are increased, the more the population suffers. If our government fails to cooperate, it's our people who will be in difficulty," he added. Reported fuel shortages in Kinshasa and the eastern part of the country have driven prices up about 15 per cent, raising transport and food costs. The price rise is also tied to the DRC's fiscal reforms, which took effect on January 1, 2026. As part of efforts to meet IMF requirements and stabilise public finances, the government reduced fuel subsidies and introduced a unified tax framework, removing exemptions that had previously helped keep pump prices lower. Disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz have also delayed imports, hurting small businesses. President Felix Tshisekedi, during his working visit to the Middle East, has engaged Gulf leaders on the crisis and its regional impact."
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