The surge in prices at the pump directly impacts the profit margins of transport professionals. Many of them notice a big difference from previous years, when prices were much more affordable.
“Since we were told that gas and oil began to be exploited in our country, our wish, as transporters, is that fuel prices are revised downwards. There are many stations- service in this country, but previously, with 6,000 or 10,000 FCFA of fuel, we could go much further. Today, this amount hardly allows anything,” laments Pape Traoré, taxi driver.
For his part, Serigne Mbacké Ndiaye, an illegal taxi driver, reports an even more difficult situation. “We, drivers, hope to benefit from opportunities thanks to the exploitation of hydrocarbons, because this could have a positive impact on the price of fuel. Currently, 10 liters of diesel costs around 7,500 FCFA. For us, illegal taxi drivers “, buying 10 or 20 liters per day, depending on the races, has become a real challenge. Frankly, it is more and more difficult to get by.”, he said.
This paradox is difficult to ignore: how can a country that exploits its own oil and gas resources continue to impose such prices on its citizens? Alioune Ndiaye, writer and international development expert, offers insight in his book The Fundamentals of Gas and Oil in Senegal. According to him, strategic management of revenues from hydrocarbons could reduce the burden on households.
“It must be understood that we have not yet mastered the entire process. Recently, a production of 100,000 barrels per day was announced. But it is essential to note that this is not yet refined oil , which is the one we use directly, over time, the necessary facilities will be put in place and this will have a positive impact on consumers. The population must be informed of this reality,” explains Mr. Ndiaye.
For the moment, the impact of oil and gas exploitation remains low in the daily lives of Senegalese people. However, with well-defined strategies and optimized management of these natural resources, Senegal could transform this wealth into leverage to improve the living conditions of its citizens.
Birame Khary Ndaw
