In the Central African Republic, the decision fell on the evening of Wednesday June 5. The authorities announced the requisition of six stations out of the 11 in the Tamoil network in Bangui. They were entrusted for 45 days to managers whose mission is to regularly supply the pumps, pay salaries and contribute to the payment of taxes according to the press release from the Minister responsible for the Development of Energy and hydraulic resources. Arthur Bertrand Piri, Minister of Hydrocarbons, had already imposed a fine of 200 million FCFA (or approximately 300,000 euros) on the French company, which took over Total’s activities.
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The minister criticizes Tamoil – in his letter dated May 3 – for not ensuring the supply of its service stations, causing “significant damage on the economic, financial and social level” of Central African Republic. A source close to the company defends itself: Tamoil is not responsible for fuel supplies (diesel and gasoline) in the country, the Cameroonian company Neptune having obtained import exclusivity last September, underlines- she said. One of the marketers highlighting its ability to restart its import activities to compensate for current shortages.
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But, in recent weeks, gasoline has become scarce at the Banguissois pumps. Whether in the old Total stations or with the competition. Private companies also complain of not being able to access the quantities of fuel necessary for the proper functioning of their activities. The cause according to different actors: tensions at the level of stocks. The gasoline currently transported by road via Douala by tanker trucks remains insufficient to meet the country’s needs.
Since takeover of Total activities, Tamoil faces a succession of litigations. A situation which does not seem to discourage its owner, the investment bank Rochefort & Associés. The company remains committed, assures our interlocutor, notably with the reopening of service stations in the provinces and the restart of activities at the airport.
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