The Democratic Republic of Congo's government has extended for 45 days the suspension and reduction of several taxes and fees linked to petroleum product imports, according to a letter signed on May 5, 2026, by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka and addressed to the ministries of National Economy, Hydrocarbons and Finance.

The Prime Minister's office said the measure was prompted by “the continuing oil crisis linked to the conflict in the Persian Gulf,” which it said continues to increase fuel supply costs.

The government maintained the suspension of several charges, including sanitary and border hygiene fees, some regulatory charges, LMC and CGW fees, as well as the DGDA levy. Other charges tied to inspection, oversight and CVM remain reduced by 50%.

The extension comes as authorities have also lowered regulated fuel prices in the eastern zone. In a decree signed on May 4, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister for National Economy Daniel Mukoko Samba set new prices effective May 5 for North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, Maniema, Haut-Uele and Bas-Uele provinces.

In that zone, the price of gasoline was reduced to 4,205 Congolese francs ($1.47) per litre from 4,400 francs, while diesel fell to 5,395 francs from 5,600 francs.

The adjustment follows weeks of fuel supply disruptions in parts of eastern Congo. In Beni, gasoline prices at times exceeded 20,000 francs per litre on the parallel market, according to local media reports.

Several weeks earlier, the government had already raised regulated fuel prices across multiple regions. In the western zone, gasoline prices increased to 2,640 francs per litre from 2,440 francs, while diesel rose to 2,635 francs from 2,430 francs.

In the northern zone, gasoline and diesel prices are set at 3,350 francs and 3,345 francs per litre respectively. In the southern zone, gasoline costs 3,930 francs per litre, while diesel is priced at 4,465 francs.

By extending the tax relief measures, Kinshasa is seeking to prevent further increases in pump prices. Fuel prices remain politically sensitive in the DRC because they directly affect transport costs, consumer prices and broader economic activity.

Boaz Kabeya