On February 20, 2024, the Burundi Petroleum Company (Sopebu) was established by presidential decree. Among its main missions, defined in Article 2 of the decree of creation, is “the equitable distribution of petroleum products in the various localities of the country “.

At that time, the country was experiencing a severe fuel shortage that disrupted the functioning of the national economy. The effects of this crisis were felt even at the Kigobe Congress Hall.

During a plenary session in June 2024, a member of parliament addressed his colleagues, urging them to consider those who would have to walk home, even suggesting that  the proceedings be shortened to allow them to leave earlier  .

A few days later, Sopebu made fuel available to members of parliament. This decision marked the beginning of a supply system reserved for certain categories of beneficiaries.

Gradually, the list expanded to include employees from several ministries, including those of National Defence, Interior and Public Security, Trade, Finance and Justice, as well as those of the General Secretariat of the State, the Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB) and the Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR).

The list also includes financial institutions (commercial banks) and employees of international organizations. For these categories, refueling is carried out without the long queues faced by most motorists. Fuel is distributed to them according to a weekly schedule, week after week, at dedicated service stations.

However, Sopebu has never made public the criteria used for their selection. Meanwhile, other users continue to suffer the effects of the shortage.

“This situation is a complete aberration.”

Among the users who most strongly criticize this unequal treatment are taxi drivers and individuals who sometimes spend several weeks waiting at gas stations hoping to be served. According to them, this ”  categorization  ” penalizes them even though they provide an essential service to the public.

“For those of us in the transport sector, it’s a complete absurdity. Sopebu can publish a list of about twenty service stations to distribute fuel. But for us, only two stations are planned, even though there are more than 6,000 taxis in the country.

As a result, we are forced to buy fuel on the black market. It’s unfair ,” laments a taxi driver who claims he hasn’t received any fuel at a service station for more than five months.

According to him, this situation is all the more incomprehensible since they are fulfilling a public service mission. “ What revolts us most is that Sopebu prioritizes passenger vehicles while we transport the sick, children going to school, workers, and goods. Furthermore, we contribute to the country’s economy through taxes. We pay, in particular, 15,000 FBu in municipal taxes, 20,000 FBu in parking fees, not to mention other annual taxes. Despite this, we feel relegated to the sidelines .”

ND, a private user, also denounces a system he considers discriminatory. He recounts his experience: “ A few days ago, I went to the Sabemeli gas station to fill up. As soon as I arrived, the attendants explained that it was reserved exclusively for VIPs: OBR and BRB employees  .”

He calls on the authorities to end this double standard. “We demand that all citizens be treated fairly. We hope that Sopebu will recognize the seriousness of the situation. And if we ever have the opportunity to address the President of the Republic, we will explain all these difficulties to him .”

Despite several attempts by Iwacu to obtain a reaction from the general manager of Sopebu, Samuel Ndayisenga, he refused to answer our questions.