Diesel Rationing Brings Long Queues to Service Stations in Libreville

Motorists in Libreville and surrounding areas have been facing lengthy queues and restricted diesel purchases since the end of September, as service stations struggle with reduced supplies.

Customers have been waiting with vehicles and jerrycans to obtain fuel, with purchases reportedly limited to 10,000 CFA francs per person. The shortage has also been reported across Greater Libreville, including Ntoum and Akanda.

Motorists describe prolonged waits

One motorist told Africanews that diesel had been unavailable for more than three days, creating serious difficulties for people who rely on diesel-powered vehicles.

“We have been without diesel for more than three days, so diesel-powered vehicles are facing serious problems,” the motorist said.

The same motorist said the situation extended beyond the capital, describing conditions as similar throughout Greater Libreville.

Taxi driver Vianey Ndoumou said he had been waiting for fuel since 4 a.m. He described being sent between service stations after being told that fuel was available at another location, only to find that supplies had already run out.

“They first told me there was fuel behind the prison, so I left here and went there. As soon as I arrived, I was told it had already run out,” Ndoumou said.

He added that he returned to the original queue after being told the station had not received a delivery for two days, although a shipment was expected that evening.

Different explanations for the shortage

The Ministry of Petroleum and Gas has acknowledged a temporary disruption affecting supplies to service stations. The ministry issued a statement on the issue the previous week.

Forecourt manager Regis Mavoungou, however, said the problem was not necessarily a complete absence of supply but repeated differences between the quantities ordered and those delivered.

“When you order 20,000 litres, you don’t receive 20,000 — you get 15,000 litres,” Mavoungou said, adding that the shortfalls affected station sales and calculations.

The shortage has been linked to declining stocks at SOGARA, identified in the report as Gabon’s national refinery, as well as difficulties transporting refined fuel during a maritime crisis.

Shipments expected to ease pressure

A tanker carrying a new fuel shipment was announced, with supplies expected to return to normal by Monday. However, the available report does not confirm whether the tanker arrived or whether deliveries subsequently returned to normal.

It also reported that petrol became scarce after the announced shipment, while long queues continued at service stations. The development has added to uncertainty for motorists and service-station employees already dealing with rationing and inconsistent deliveries.