Government increases fuel prices, citing inability to sustain subsidies
Effective August 15, the price of super gasoline increased by 70 francs per liter, and diesel by 75 francs per liter. The government justified this increase by stating it could not continue to inject 47 billion francs per month to support the fuel sector, which has already absorbed 245 billion francs since the beginning of the year. Without this adjustment, energy sector subsidies could reach 1,069 billion francs, significantly exceeding the 250 billion francs approved by the National Assembly. The government explained that this "adjustment" returns fuel prices to their level before a reduction on December 6, 2025. Prices for other petroleum products, including gas and fuel for canoes, remain unchanged. The government attributed the need for the adjustment to the conflict in the Middle East, which has caused a sharp rise in global oil prices, with international diesel and super gasoline prices increasing by 69% and 61% respectively. Many countries, including Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, India, and China, have already raised their pump prices. The government stated it had absorbed global price increases since December 2025 to protect household purchasing power, an effort totaling over 245 billion francs in fuel subsidies this year. Without the adjustment, an additional 47 billion francs would have been needed between August 15 and September 12, 2026. The government believes these financial resources are crucial for education, health, agriculture, and supporting vulnerabl
