By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Senegal has raised fuel prices, a move which the government says is necessary because of the sharp rise in global oil costs.
As of Saturday, August 15, super petrol costs 990 CFA francs per litre, an increase of about 70 francs, while diesel has risen to 755 CFA francs, up by about 75 francs.
Officials say prices for other petroleum products remain unchanged, including gas.
The government said the increase simply returns fuel prices to their level before a cut introduced on December 6 last year.
It blames the adjustment on the conflict in the Middle East, which began on February 28 following escalations between Iran and the United States and Israel.
The tension has driven up international oil prices. Since then, diesel prices have jumped by 69 percent and petrol by 61 percent.
Senegal said it delayed the increase for as long as possible, but claims it has already absorbed more than 245 billion CFA francs in fuel subsidies since the beginning of the year.
Authorities say keeping prices unchanged would have added another 47 billion CFA francs in just one month into the over burdened subsidy cost.
The government said the move is partial and measured, and that prices at the pump are still below the cost of importation. It assured the existing social protection measures will continue to shield vulnerable households.
