The supply of petroleum products in Kinshasa is expected to return to normal on Oct. 23, after two days of disruption caused by vandalism, the Hydrocarbons Ministry said in a statement on Oct. 22, 2025.
The disruption began after an act of sabotage during the night of Oct. 18-19 targeting pipeline 66, operated by Société des entreprises pétrolières du Congo (SEP Congo). Unidentified individuals drilled into the pipeline in the Masina district, near Ndjili CECOMAF, to illegally siphon fuel bound for the Kinshasa depot.
The sabotage led to a temporary shutdown of pumping operations, halting deliveries and causing long queues at several gas stations across the capital.
The ministry said technical teams from SEP Congo have since sealed the leaks and restored the pipeline to service. In an Oct. 21 letter to the Hydrocarbons Minister, the company confirmed that transport and distribution operations were gradually resuming.
SEP Congo called for stronger security measures for its pipelines, including public awareness campaigns and tighter surveillance. The Hydrocarbons Ministry urged residents to remain vigilant and help protect this critical infrastructure, which is essential to the capital’s fuel supply.
Ronsard Luabeya
