Comoros has put its new fuel prices on hold after a week of strikes that turned deadly on the island of Anjouan, where one person was killed and five were injured.
Energy Minister Aboubacar Saïd Anli announced the pause at a press conference on Saturday, according to Reuters. “The government and President Azali (Assoumani) heard the cries of the Comorian people,” he said. “There was no other solution than to listen to them. The goal is to preserve peace.”
The price shock
The changes took effect from May 9. Diesel went up by 46 per cent and gasoline by 35 per cent, and officials pointed to a jump in global oil prices tied to tension in the Middle East.
A week of strikes
Transport workers and shopkeepers walked out on Monday, and parts of the capital, Moroni, ground to a halt. Fishermen joined on Wednesday.
On Friday, the mayor of Mirontsy met a fishermen’s association on Anjouan. The talks broke down. Clashes with security forces followed, and angry protesters blocked roads with stones in Mutsamudu, the island’s capital.
The public prosecutor’s office in Mutsamudu said the casualties occurred in the Mpage area. A judicial investigation is under way to establish how the person died. The National Human Rights Commission said law enforcement had detained at least 39 people since the demonstrations began.
Government concessions
Before the suspension, the government had already announced austerity steps meant to cool tempers: cuts to official state travel and a 40 per cent reduction in customs duties. Public transit and commerce in Moroni stayed shut regardless.
Elsewhere in the region
Comoros is not the only place feeling the squeeze. In Kenya, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority raised pump prices for the cycle running from May 15 to June 14, 2026. In Nairobi, diesel climbed by Sh46.29 to Sh242.92 per litre, and super petrol by Sh16.65 to Sh214.25.
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry warned that dearer diesel would spread through transport, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and construction. Matatu operators have ordered a 50 per cent rise in fares. A coalition called the Transport Alliance has issued a strike notice, with a stoppage set to begin on Monday, May 18.
Sources
- Comoros suspends fuel price hikes after deadly protests | The Eastleigh Voice
- Fuel Riots Leave One Dead in Comoros
