In the Council of Ministers on Wednesday 23 March, the government of the rupture took enormous measures to support the Beninese population in the face of the legendary surge in consumer goods on the market. Thus, this action by the Beninese executive is a response to the cries of the citizens
For several weeks now, Beninese consumers have been suffering from the soaring prices of basic necessities on the market. A situation, as a consequence of the war in Ukraine, suggests several channels that call on the government for help. Indeed, the Head of State did not remain insensitive to the cries of his people. Thus, at the last Council of Ministers, measures were taken to control the rise of prices on the market. These include the recovery of the price of certain foodstuffs and cement throughout the country.
Recovery of consumer food prices
The 50 kg bag of ordinary rice has dropped from 20,500 FCFA to 18,450 FCFA in Cotonou. As a result, imported or locally produced vegetable oils are reduced from CFAF 30,000 to CFAF 25,424 (i.e. CFAF 1,017 per litre at retail instead of the current CFAF 1,200). For local cottonseed oil, the price drops from CFAF 27,500 to CFAF 23,305 (i.e. CFAF 932 per litre at retail instead of the current CFAF 1,100). In addition, the price of local refined palm oil drops from CFAF 27,500 to CFAF 23,305 (i.e. CFAF 932 per litre at retail instead of the current CFAF 1,100) for imported refined palm oil. Imported or locally produced wheat flour, whose price per 50 kg bag has dropped from CFAF 25,000 to CFAF 20,000 and from CFAF 23,500 to CFAF 19,915 respectively in Cotonou. This justifies maintaining the price of bread at CFAF 125 for a 160g baguette and CFAF 150 for a 200g baguette.
Current cement prices in Benin
The price of cement set by the government varies from one department to another. In the Atlantic and Littoral departments, the price of cement is 75,000 CFA francs, while it is 74,000 CFA francs in Ouémé and Plateau. In Mono-Couffo, cement costs 77,000 FCFA. In addition, in the north of Benin, there is a dramatic variation in cement prices. Thus, it is 82,000 FCFA in Borgou and also in Donga. A little further away, in Natitingou in Atacora, it has risen to 85,000 FCFA and is maintained in part of the Alibori department. On the other hand, it is sold at 90,000 FCFA in Malanville, still in Alibori. It should be noted that prices are maintained at their current level until 30 June 2022.
Important clarifications
Indeed, a discount of 50% on the price of sea freight and 2/3 for air freight will be implemented. This is for the calculation of the customs duties to be paid. Similarly, a stock of diesel will be built up and the pump price maintained at CFAF 600 until 30 June 2022. Furthermore, the suspension of the implementation of the readjustment of electricity tariffs until the end of the year in order to keep them at the same level as 2021.
