In a press release dated August 25, 2023, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Shadiya Assouman, issued a warning against any speculation regarding the price of domestic gas.
“It has come to my attention that certain domestic gas distributors are deliberately increasing the price in the market. This practice constitutes an illicit price hike, an offense defined and punishable by Articles 37 and 57 of Ordinance 20/PR/MFAEP of July 5, 1967, regulating prices and stocks in the Republic of Benin,” the minister stated in her press release.
In her statement, the authority responsible for the Department of Industry and Commerce reiterated the current price structure of petroleum products in Benin, specifically the price of domestic gas, which is 795 CFA francs per kilogram (Kg), equivalent to 4,770 CFA francs for a 6 Kg cylinder and 9,937.5 CFA francs for a 12.5 Kg cylinder.
“I want to reassure consumers and the entire Beninese population that the Government has not made any increase in the price of domestic gas. I invite them to call the toll-free number 113 for reporting,” the press release states.
The minister also indicated that the relevant departments within her ministry will be dispatched to conduct inspections across the entire national territory. Economic operators found guilty of illicitly raising the price of domestic gas will be subject to legal action.
