Praia, March 25, 2026 (Lusa) – The conflict in the Middle East is leading Cabo Verdeans to buy more gas, leading to queues and gas cylinder shortages at some retail points, although distributors said on Wednesday that there are no supply issues affecting the archipelago.
Vivo Energy Cabo Verde said in a press release that there was no cause for alarm, supply of butane gas in the country was proceeding normally and replenishments from international suppliers had been fully secured. The company also said that the international geopolitical context had influenced the perception of scarcity.
The situation has led to "an abnormal demand increase on some islands".
The company said that although understandable, this had a direct impact on the efficient operation of the domestic distribution chain, appealing for responsible consumption tailored to the actual needs of each household and business.
"Measures are underway to improve distribution efficiency and ensure a gradual return to normality across the whole country," it concluded.
The Cabo Verdean consumer protection watchdog (ADECO) called for improvements in communication and the distribution of gas between islands.
Shortages have been reported on the islands of São Nicolau, Fogo, Boa Vista, Santo Antão, and most recently, São Vicente. ADECO leader, Nelson Faria, said to Cabo Verde radio (RCV) that distribution logistics were not being fully met, leading to the appearance of a supply rupture.
On 26 February, the Multisectoral Economic Regulatory Agency (ARME) assured that butane gas stocks are sufficient to guarantee the country’s supply, despite occasional logistical constraints on some islands.
ARME also revealed it is investigating reports of illegal hoarding and sales above the fixed price, particularly on Fogo Island, highlighting that such practices are illegal.
On 4 March the head of oil company Enacol, Luís Flores said that Cabo Verde has no direct exposure to instability in Iran, explaining that the country’s fuel is primarily sourced from refineries along the West African coast and Western Europe.
LFO/MYAL // AYLS
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