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- Angola has increased the price of diesel by just about half, as it phases out subsidies.
- The cost of a litre of diesel is equivalent to R4.60.
- Last year, protests broke out when petrol prices increased; so far things are peaceful in Luanda.
Angola's petroleum products regulator hiked diesel prices by about 48% from Tuesday, part of government efforts to curb costly subsidies that have strained public finances.
The price of diesel was increased to 200 kwanzas per litre – the equivalent of R4.60 per litre – starting Tuesday, the regulator said in a statement dated 22 April.
The price of diesel was 135 kwanzas a litre previously.
The regulator left the price of other fuels like petrol and liquefied petroleum gas unchanged.
Finance Minister Vera Daves de Sousa said last month that Angola was committed to removing all fuel subsidies in a way that would not lead to any backlash.
A near-doubling of fuel prices in June last year triggered deadly protests, as thousands took to the streets.
But the capital Luanda was calm on Tuesday.
Angola is among many major African crude producers that have been squeezed by surging debt costs, and high pump prices. Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have all sought to phase out fuel subsidies, to considerable public outrage.
In mid-2023, widespread unrest broke out after a hike in petrol prices, with motorcycle taxi drivers in Luanda prominent in the protests. Police arrested dozens of people, and used teargas to disperse crowds.
