By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
A wave of frustration is sweeping through neighborhoods in Yaoundé, where residents are accusing retailers of tampering with domestic gas cylinders.
Many claim that bottles advertised as “full” and purchased at government-regulated prices are running dry in record time, leading to mounting discontent among consumers.
Talking with The Post over the weekend, city residents expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that despite paying the standard rate for what should be a 12.5-kilogram refill, the actual weight is often significantly less than expected. The lifespan of their cooking gas has sharply declined with every purchase, leaving households frustrated and at a loss.
Numerous families reported that unscrupulous retailers are engaging in fraudulent practices, such as siphoning off portions of subsidized gas before resale. This action, have left consumers with bottles that are effectively half full or, in some instances, significantly underweight.
“This issue of gas bottles not being full has plagued us for a long time. Gas bottles are virtually empty and simply do not last,” said one housewife, who requested anonymity for fear of being denied service.
Another housewife lamented, “There’s no doubt anymore. Several bottles of domestic gas are siphoned before they hit the market. I’ve been a victim multiple time already.”
Residents also indicated that every time they purchase these bottles, they often hear shaking sounds, suggesting they are not adequately filled. Complaints to retailers have sometimes led to hostile responses.
“I was almost beaten when I complained to the retailer about my gas bottle being half full. He insulted me, and when I asked for a refund, he drove me away. I had no choice but to take back my gas bottle,” one unhappy city dweller recounted, highlighting the fear and intimidation that accompany making a legitimate complaint.
While some retailers claim ignorance of these practices, many residents believe there is active collusion between suppliers and retailers to reduce the gas quantity in each bottle.
“Most of these companies supplying domestic gas have a technique for cutting the quantity, and this has been going on for years. They develop new tactics regularly, but it’s clear that some are working closely with retailers to pull off this dishonest scheme,” asserted a concerned resident who wished to remain anonymous.
Attempts to contact suppliers for comment were largely unsuccessful. An authority figure stated, “We haven’t been mandated to talk, so we cannot provide any information regarding these claims.”
Observers have warn that these manipulations not only inflate costs for families already struggling with rising living expenses but also pose serious safety concerns. Tampering can damage valves or introduce impurities into the gas, particularly when the bottles are taken home, potentially leading to dangerous situations.
Meanwhile, government has faced similar complaints in the past, including seizing underfilled bottles, yet the problem persists. Authorities have been urged to intensify controls and launch a crackdown on fraudulent retailers to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of the subsidy program.
The continued frustration among Yaoundé residents reflects a pressing need for action in order to restore trust in the domestic gas supply system as well as preserve the integrity of the preserve the national gas subsidy program.
According to sources, Cameroon has long benefited from a subsidized domestic gas market. According to the National Hydrocarbons Corporation (SNH), local production met 21 percent of the country’s demand in 2021. However, due to the global surge in hydrocarbon prices, the government’s expenditure on domestic gas subsidies rose significantly, reaching CFAF 75 billion in 2022.