Guinea-Bissau Transporters Strike over Fuel Price Hike, Fare Restrictions

Commercial transport operators in parts of Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday commenced a strike following a recent increase in fuel prices by the government, amid restrictions on passenger fare adjustments.

The strike affected at least three locations, including the capital, Bissau, as well as Gabu, the largest city in the eastern region, and the town of Mansoa.

Residents in the affected areas reported that taxi and van drivers in Gabu and Mansoa suspended operations, leaving commuters stranded and forcing many to trek long distances to their destinations.

In Bissau, commercial vans with a capacity of about 15 passengers joined the strike on Tuesday, while taxi operators are expected to follow suit, according to the leadership of the national drivers’ union.

The industrial action comes in response to the government’s recent decision to increase fuel prices following rising global oil costs linked to tensions in the Middle East.

Last week, authorities raised the price of diesel from 700 CFA francs to 898 CFA francs per litre, while petrol rose from 794 CFA francs to 899 CFA francs per litre.

Despite the increase, the government directed transport operators not to raise passenger fares, a move that has drawn criticism from drivers.

Fuel shortages have also been reported across several parts of the country in recent weeks, further compounding the situation in the import-dependent West African nation.

Efforts to obtain official reaction from the government were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.