Burundi Transport Crisis Eases: Bus Fares Drop as Fuel Supply Improves
A cautious sense of relief is washing over Burundi’s long-distance transport sector. After a period of severe disruption, travelers heading to the country’s interior are finally witnessing a slight but welcome improvement. Buses are becoming more available, and crucially, ticket prices at agencies in Bujumbura’s Cotebu market have begun to fall.
A Welcome Respite for Commuters
The scene at the Cotebu market on a recent Wednesday morning was a stark contrast to the recent past. By 8 a.m., passengers were actively purchasing tickets for journeys into the heart of the country. Coaster buses sat parked, ready for boarding, as travelers expressed their satisfaction with the changing situation.
The numbers tell a clear story. Fares for major routes have seen a significant reduction. The journey from the commercial capital, Bujumbura, to the political capital, Gitega, now costs 12,000 Burundian Francs (FBu). Travel to Ngozi is priced at 15,000 FBu, while longer trips to Cankuzo, Kirundo, and Muyinga are set at 20,000 FBu.
A Look Back at the ‘Dramatic’ Past
Passengers are quick to point out just how dire the situation had been. “Previously, the situation was dramatic,” one traveler lamented. During the peak of the crisis, commuters reported paying exorbitant sums—over 20,000 FBu to reach Gitega and more than 30,000 FBu for destinations like Muyinga, Cankuzo, and Kirundo. The high cost was only part of the problem; the sheer difficulty of finding an available bus due to widespread fuel shortages made travel a logistical nightmare.
Challenges and Inconsistencies Remain
Despite the positive trend, not everything is rosy. The improvement has not been uniform across all routes. Travelers heading to former provincial capitals like Muramvya and Kayanza complain that they are charged fares equivalent to those for much longer journeys to Ngozi and Gitega, a disparity they find unfair.
Furthermore, the price drop has not yet trickled down to all vehicle types. Drivers of smaller vehicles, such as Toyota Probox and Hiace vans, continue to charge high rates. For instance, a trip to the capital of Isare commune now costs 10,000 FBu, double the previous rate of less than 5,000 FBu.
The Fuel Shortage: The Root of the Problem
Both passengers and transport operators point to one primary culprit behind the recent chaos and ongoing speculation: the fuel shortage. The irregular supply of petrol and diesel has created a volatile market. Operators, unable to consistently access fuel at official stations, often resort to the black market, where prices are inflated. These increased operational costs are then passed directly onto the consumer.
This reality also explains the frequent non-compliance with state-regulated transport fares. When fuel is not reliably available through official channels, the informal market dictates the economics of transport.
A Plea to the Government
The collective plea from passengers is clear and direct. They are calling on the Burundian government to ensure a consistent and adequate supply of fuel to service stations across the nation. They argue that the availability of fuel is an essential precondition for stabilizing the transport sector and ending the speculative pricing of tickets.
This public appeal comes at a pivotal moment. The Head of State has recently stated that fuel is now available and has explicitly invited station managers to procure it from the national petroleum company, S0PEBU. The hope among ordinary Burundians is that this directive will be swiftly acted upon, finally bringing lasting relief to a transport system upon which so many depend.
Source: Original reporting from the Burundi Eco news team.