The Democratic Republic of Congo is considering changes to domestic fuel prices as the war in the Middle East continues to disrupt global oil markets.

The move follows a meeting on Thursday, April 2, between Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, Minister of State for Hydrocarbons Acacia Bandubola and National Economy Minister Daniel Mukoko Samba.

After the meeting, Mukoko Samba said the government was closely monitoring fuel supply conditions amid severe global disruption.

“We must take all necessary steps to ensure continued access to the petroleum products we need and maintain supply,” he said. “That may require adjusting fuel prices to align with global trends.”

He added that the government also aims to preserve domestic market stability. “Across the region, fuel prices are rising,” he said.

The statement comes as authorities try to balance supply security with protecting consumers. As early as March, the prime minister ordered temporary measures to cushion the impact of external shocks.

These include cuts to certain taxes, the suspension of some border levies and steps to ensure steady imports. The aim is to limit the impact of rising global prices at the pump while maintaining fuel deliveries to the domestic market.

Mining firms already paying market rates

Some adjustments have already been implemented. On March 17, 2026, the Fuel Price Monitoring Committee approved a new pricing structure in the southern zone for mining companies and their subcontractors, which do not benefit from subsidies.

In that zone, diesel prices rose from $1.70 to $2.43 per litre, an increase of nearly 43%, while gasoline prices increased from $1.60 to $2.08, up 30%.

These operators now buy fuel at market rates, as international benchmarks have surged. Brent crude has hovered around $100 per barrel since the start of the year, compared with $60 to $70 before the conflict.

Across the region, several countries are facing similar pressures. In Zambia, authorities declared a fuel supply emergency and temporarily suspended some import taxes on petroleum products to limit price increases.

In Kenya, another key supply route for eastern DRC, officials have reported low fuel stocks. Nairobi is considering using its stabilization fund to absorb expected price increases, though any intervention is likely to be temporary.

In South Africa, rising global prices and higher transport costs are also adding pressure to the fuel market, reflecting broader regional volatility.

Against this backdrop, Kinshasa appears to be taking a cautious approach to price adjustments to avoid supply disruptions without triggering a sharp shock to the domestic market.

For now, the government has not announced an immediate, across-the-board increase in pump prices. But the signal is clear: if international tensions persist, fuel price increases in the DRC are increasingly likely.

Timothée Manoke