Guinea-Bissau fuel price hikes trigger transport strike

Transport drivers in Guinea-Bissau began a strike. This affected at least three cities, including the capital, Bissau. The strike started after the government raised fuel prices but would not allow drivers to increase passenger fares.

This matters because the government increased the price of diesel from 700 CFA francs to 898 CFA francs per litre. This is a 28% increase. Gasoline price went from 794 CFA francs to 899 CFA francs per litre. This is a 13% increase. The government linked these increases to higher global oil prices.

The government's decision to ban fare increases impacts drivers' ability to cover their costs. Transport unions say this makes their work unprofitable. For example, taxi and van drivers in Gabu and Mansoa stopped working. Vans with 15 seats or more also stopped in Bissau. Taxis were expected to join later.

This situation shows a conflict. Governments across Africa face rising global oil prices. They try to control inflation by setting price caps. But this puts pressure on businesses, like transport operators. The lack of fuel in petrol stations over the last two weeks also makes the situation worse. This happens in a country that relies on imported oil.

Past data shows that when fuel prices go up and businesses cannot raise prices, services often stop. This affects the daily lives of people who need transport. It can also slow down economic activity.