Following an interministerial decree dated July 18, 2022, the pump prices of petroleum products are revised upwards in Togo, despite the State subsidy of up to 178 CFA francs on each liter of super unleaded , for example. From now on, the price per liter of super unleaded is set at 700 F CFA against 625 F previously, kerosene has increased from 580 F to 650 F, an increase of 70 F. Gas oil, for its part, is experiencing an increase 190F and currently costs 850F CFA. The price of the two-stroke mixture is 788 F against 718 F previously.
This new increase in the price of petroleum products at the pump, the third of its kind since last March, is due to the rise in the price of a barrel of oil on the international market. The latter is partly justified by the current Russo-Ukrainian war, these two countries being producers of petroleum products. Faced with this new increase, the populations already weakened by the health crisis linked to Covid-19, certainly understand the mobiles, but cry out their dismay and call on the government to find a consensus, to maintain the prices of foodstuffs and basic necessities..
Since yesterday Tuesday, the Togolese are facing a new rise in the price of petroleum products at the pump. This new increase follows the proposal of the Committee for Monitoring Petroleum Product Price Fluctuations (CSFPPP) and is explained by the rise in the price of a barrel of oil on the international market, a consequence of the war between Ukraine and Russian. Indeed, this price increase corresponds to a technical adjustment following the observation of a surge in the price of a barrel of oil. With the State subsidy ranging from 178F to 233F per liter, henceforth the prices of petroleum products are set as follows in Togo: super unleaded is at 700F, i.e. an increase of 75F, kerosene at 650F, i.e. 70F more, gas oil at 850F, an increase of 190F and the two-stroke mix at 788F. However, the prices of butane gas cylinders have remained unchanged for the time being.
Get out of the trap of excessive subsidies that serve neighbors instead
According to sources close to the government, the subsidy which served to limit the weight of the increase at the national level, has rather become a trap, insofar as it is increasingly important and that it is used to “subsidize” neighboring countries. Indeed, people come to stock up on the national territory in petroleum products and resell elsewhere, especially in neighboring countries.
The government nevertheless maintains the effort but it is also important to implement the truth of the prices, so as not to put too many resources in these subsidies. Since the beginning of 2022, for example, more than 25 billion in subsidies have been made for these petroleum products, indicates the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Local Consumption.
The global situation remains very tense and each country is making efforts to protect the population. In Togo, the Ministry of Economy and Finance reports that the amount initially planned for subsidies has been greatly exceeded. Today, if the state continues with this level, it would be impossible to satisfy other needs. You also have to make choices. Because during this time, the subsidy on fertilizers for the peasants is also necessary and other efforts still.
People in disarray call on the government for help
A tour of the capital Lomé allowed us to gather everyone’s opinion on this new government decision, which for the majority of the population announces a tough future. For Mrs. Nicole civil servant, it is a very hard blow for the majority of Togolese who are already struggling to recover from the painful consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. “We find it difficult to bear the high cost of living and this new increase will have repercussions on the household basket. Even if the government follows the cost of the barrel, we must take into account our very low purchasing power. The mines are gray, and without stability at home, I don’t know how one can give the best of oneself at work. I wish that my cry of heart reaches the authorities, through your columns she confided. For Mr. Yaya Abara M’boyè, motorcycle taxi driver, ” this government decision must been carefully considered, but it is necessary for it to review the salaries of workers who have not changed much in recent years and which are relatively low compared to the salaries of other civil servants in the sub-region”. “This decision will create unprecedented chaos, if we do not know how to handle the situation well. The authorities must communicate as much as possible, so that the citizens can understand the situation and accept it. “, added Mr. Francois Zokpè, bank executive.
Difficult for households to manage this alarming situation
For his part, Bèrè Alexandre, trader at the Grand Marché of Lomé, said he was surprised by this new increase in the price of petroleum products in the three-month interval. ” Things are not going well in the country, everything is expensive on the market and now with this new increase, it is certain that things will become harder for the majority of the population. We no longer know what fate to dedicate ourselves to, if the Head of State does nothing to improve our living conditions. For years, our wages have remained stationary, while each time we face soaring prices of basic necessities. It is difficult for households to manage this alarming situation, especially for our poor unemployed parents. I urge the government to find appropriate support measures to enable the Togolese to meet the basic needs of their family. “, Suggested Mr. Bèrè. Ms. Béléleng Abra invites the government to be more visionary, by anticipating problems. “This decision is unwelcome, especially since citizens are already facing rising prices on imported and local products. At that time, it is difficult for some households to have two meals each day. And the situation is getting worse day by day. This morning already, the motorcycle driver who took me for my usual shopping charged me 2000F instead of 1500F. It’s scary with the start of the school year coming up, ” he indicated.
Even if this increase is difficult to accept, the majority understands it in view of the international situation. Mr. Alex Alayi, for his part, said he had already prepared for a possible increase in the prices of petroleum products, given the current situation prevailing in the world. “This increase does not surprise me at all. Frankly, it hurts. In Togo, we can rejoice that these prices have not risen quickly” he specified. “For several years, the government has been subsidizing the prices of petroleum products, which in reality only benefit neighboring countries that source Togolese oil, to the detriment of citizens. It is insufficient ! The authorities must anticipate this phenomenon which impacts the lives of the poor as well as the rich”.
Moreover, it goes without saying that everyone is worried about the consequences of this new adjustment in the price of petroleum products at the pump, even if the international situation requires it.
Clementine PANASSA