According to Sikafinance, the regulated price of a butane gas bottle is set at 4,950 CFA francs, and distribution in Libreville had returned to a near-normal situation by 1 August 2026. Citing the Directorate General of the Economy and Fiscal Policy, Sikafinance notes that refining activity had fallen 1.7% in the first quarter of 2026, down 15.2% year on year, and national oil production had dropped 4% due to scheduled technical shutdowns and a pipeline explosion.
Sikafinance explains that oil operators prioritise exporting crude, which is more profitable, over supplying the ageing national refinery, which would require significant reinvestment. Authorities have begun discussions on building a more modern refinery and expanding storage and distribution capacity.
