DRC: the price of a litre of petrol increases in the southern supply zone

Kinshasa, March 17^th, 2026 (CPA).- The price of a litre of petrol has increased in the southern supply zone of the Democratic Republic of Congo, jumping from USD 1.60 to USD 2.08, according to a statement from the Monitoring Committee chaired by the Minister in charge of the National Economy, consulted on Tuesday by CPA. “The Monitoring Committee for Petroleum Product Prices (CSPPP) has held a technical meeting on Monday March 16^th, 2026, dedicated to the revision of the price structure for onshore petroleum products in the southern supply zone, intended for mining companies and their subcontractors,” it is read in the statement from the Ministry in charge of National Economy.  According to the same statement, the price of a litre of diesel has risen from USD 1.70 to USD 2.43. This decision, the source has affirmed, comes against an international backdrop marked by rising oil prices, with the price per barrel having risen from USD 62.5 to USD 103.5 between January and March 2026. However, since the reforms introduced in July 2025, the mining companies no longer benefit from the State subsidy and are now purchasing fuel at market prices. The exchange rate applied is that of the Central Bank of Congo (BCC), in force on the day before the fuel is released for consumption, the source has emphasised. ACP/