(Business in Cameroon) – The Ministry of Water and Energy (MINEE) has announced plans to auction 5,200 litres of kerosene seized during a petroleum fraud crackdown in Tsinga-Village, Yaounde. The operation, conducted by the National Brigade for the Fight Against Petroleum Products, was carried out on the night of 11 November 2025 under the directives of Minister Gaston Eloundou Essomba.
At the official subsidised cost price of 350 FCFA per litre, the 5,200 litres seized amount to a total value of 1,820,000 FCFA. According to information made public by MINEE, the kerosene was discovered in cubitainers stored inside a concealed warehouse within a densely populated residential area. Surveillance operations led to the identification of the site, which was found to be a clandestine depot supplying illegal resale points across the city.
During the raid, agents uncovered a structured setup with fuel canisters, transfer hoses, and handwritten registers. The proximity of the depot to residential homes raised safety concerns, especially as residents had previously reported strong fuel odours. Inspectors noted that the combination of fuel vapours and makeshift electrical wiring posed a significant explosion risk.
Following the seizure, MINEE’s technical services have initiated compliance testing on the product. If deemed suitable, the kerosene will be sold at auction in accordance with regulatory procedures. The Ministry revealed it has been intensifying inspections, closing illegal depots and reinforcing traceability measures to prevent subsidised supplies from entering unauthorised circuits, while ensuring public safety.
Kerosene remains one of Cameroon’s most heavily subsidised fuels, retailing at 350 FCFA per litre despite a market cost exceeding 750 FCFA. This price gap has made the product a target for traffickers who divert it into parallel markets, contributing to artificial shortages and speculation at legal service stations.
To counteract these practices, the Ministry has intensified inspections and closed multiple illegal depots. A circular issued on 11 August 2025 by Minister Eloundou Essomba reduced the maximum kerosene purchase at service stations from 100 litres to 10 litres per user. The measure aims to preserve the subsidy for household consumers and prevent bulk diversion by unauthorised actors. Authorities continue to prioritise traceability and regulatory compliance to ensure that subsidised fuel reaches its intended beneficiaries.
Mercy Fosoh
