The Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines informs that in response to rumors suggesting a possible increase in fuel prices, the government is actively working, in collaboration with the competent services under the supervision of the ministry, to achieve a reduction prices of petroleum products and electricity, as well as better targeting of subsidies. These efforts are part of the joint decree setting the rate and base of the fee from the Energy Sector Regulatory Commission (CRSE).
The press release specifies that “the work is well advanced” and that “the results will be shared as soon as possible”.
The ministry also recalled the legal basis justifying the signing of the order in question. According to the press release, this fee is established by article 26 of law no. 2021-32 of July 9, 2021 relating to the creation, organization and attributions of the CRSE.
Implementing decree No. 2022-1593 of September 12, 2022 specifies that this fee aims to guarantee the operating autonomy and independence of the Commission, like similar practices observed in other sectors such as as telecommunications or electricity at the regional level, notably with the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Sector Regulatory Authority (ERERA).
The ministry emphasizes that the fee has always existed and that operators in the electricity sector have been paying it since the creation, in 1998, of the former Electricity Sector Regulatory Commission. The extension of the payment of this fee to operators in newly regulated sectors is now necessary. This fee is designed to be fair and proportional to the activities of regulated players in the sectors concerned, namely: electricity, downstream hydrocarbons and intermediate and downstream gas.
Indeed, the press release recalls that none of the players holding an import, storage, transport and/or distribution license in the downstream of hydrocarbons and in intermediate and downstream gas activities fulfills this obligation. royalty, unlike what is practiced in other sectors. However, the CRSE ensures, among other things, to guarantee their financial viability.
The CRSE specifies that it consulted and informed the stakeholders concerned on the terms of this fee, which aims to ensure the proper functioning of regulatory activities in the electricity and hydrocarbons sectors, in accordance with the aforementioned legal provisions.
