• DR Congo says fuel supply stable, stocks sufficient through June
• Government plans strategic reserve amid Middle East-related disruptions
• Global shipping decline may raise import costs and domestic prices

The Congolese government said the country’s fuel supply remains stable despite disruptions in global energy markets linked to the Middle East security crisis.

A briefing presented at the Council of Ministers meeting on March 13 said current stocks are sufficient to meet domestic demand through June. The government described the situation as broadly stable.

Several tankers carrying petroleum products are expected in the coming weeks to replenish stocks and support domestic distribution.

The statement follows a proposal on March 9 to build a strategic reserve of at least 50,000 tonnes of land and aviation fuels. Reported by RTNC and relayed by Bankable, the plan was presented as a precaution against potential shortages in an uncertain global environment.

Internationally, authorities pointed to disruptions caused by Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal—two key routes for global oil flows. According to the government, these routes handle roughly 20% and 10% of global oil traffic, respectively.

Data cited by TV5 Monde showed a sharp decline in maritime traffic. Between March 1 and March 18, only 105 vessels transited the strait, compared with about 120 per day under normal conditions, indicating a significant disruption to global logistics.

In this context, authorities expect higher import costs. A rise in the average border price, known as PMF and used to set domestic fuel prices, could affect the local market.

The government said short-, medium- and long-term measures have been introduced to maintain supply stability, limit fiscal pressure and keep the market stable. Details were not disclosed.

Timothée Manoke, with Bankable