Discontent is escalating in Burundi’s transport sector as passengers struggle with increased fares and drivers are crushed by soaring costs and fuel shortages, all calling for urgent solutions.
Public transport users in Burundi are increasingly frustrated, reporting that travel prices are rising in clear defiance of official state-mandated tariffs. Passengers, particularly those with low incomes, are finding it difficult to afford daily commutes and accuse drivers of not adhering to regulated prices.
Conversely, drivers explain they can no longer bear the operational costs imposed by a chronic fuel crisis, which has been ongoing for at least four years. The scarcity of fuel at gas stations forces many to purchase it on the black market, where prices are up to five
times higher. Under these conditions, drivers argue, applying state-set prices would mean operating at a loss, especially on inter-provincial routes.
Charles Ntirampeba, Secretary-General of the Burundi Transporters Association (Atrabu), confirms that the entire sector is in severe distress. Maintenance costs, spare parts, and tires have increased dramatically, while vehicles often remain idle for days or circulate only intermittently. Adding to these burdens are numerous taxes—for parking, municipal fees, technical inspections, and licenses—which continue to weigh even on vehicles that are out of service.
Another critical issue is rising debt: many drivers have taken out loans to purchase vehicles, but unstable earnings make it increasingly difficult to meet payment deadlines. Consequently, drivers are urging the state to suspend penalties for those raising prices and to convene an urgent
meeting between transport sector representatives, the Burundi Petroleum Company (Sopebu), and public authorities. The goal is to find shared solutions, reduce taxes, and revise official transport prices in light of the real economic context.
The Ministry, when questioned about the issue, has not yet released a comment.
