The Nigerien authorities have announced a reduction in the prices of hydrocarbons at the pump, specifically for Super 91 (petrol) and diesel.
This decision, formalized through a decree issued on Monday by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, reflects the government’s response to strong public demand for lower fuel costs.
Under the new derective, the price of a liter of Super 91 (petrol) has been reduced from 540 CFA francs (1.08 USD) to 499 CFA francs (0.99 USD), and a liter of diesel has been lowered from 668 CFA francs (1.33 USD) to 618 CFA francs (1.23 USD).
Nigerien civil society groups have welcomed this decision, believing it will positively impact the cost of living by reducing the prices of transport and goods.
The transport sector, in particular, is expected to benefit from these lower fuel prices.
However, some commercial drivers expressed that they had hoped for a more substantial reduction, arguing that citizens should not have to pay high fuel prices in an oil-producing country.
The government’s decision follows an announcement on July 17 indicating its intention to lower hydrocarbon prices in response to demands from ordinary citizens, trade union structures, and civil society groups.
Niger began exploiting its oil reserves in 2011, with an initial daily production of twenty thousand barrels.
This production has since increased to one hundred and ten thousand barrels per day, with ninety thousand barrels designated for export.
Report by Abdullahi Yasir