Latest News

Transporters in Guinea-Bissau strike over fuel price increases

Transport drivers in three?locations in Guinea-Bissau, including the capital, went on strike Tuesday after the government raised fuel prices as a'response' to the Iran _war, but prohibited any increase in passenger fare.

Residents reported that taxi and van drivers were not working in Gabu, which is the largest city of the east. They also said that Mansoa was the same. This forced passengers to walk long distances.

Caram Gassama is the chairman of the country’s drivers’?union. He said that vans with at least 15 seats began their strike in Bissau on Tuesday. Taxis are expected to follow suit on Wednesday. African governments have increased fuel prices sharply as global oil prices are surging due to the Iran War. This could spark inflation on the continent. Guinea-Bissau raised the price for diesel last week from 700 CFA Francs (about $7.50) to $898 CFA Francs (about $8.99). The government also raised the price for gasoline from 794 to 899 CFA Francs. The government that took power in November through a coup d'état also prohibited?increases to fares for passengers.

The shortage of petrol in West Africa has been a problem for the last two weeks.

The government of Guinea-Bissau, headed by Major-General Horta?Inta-a did not comment on the transport strikes on Tuesday. A government spokesperson failed to respond to a comment request.

(source: Reuters)