Panic Buying Hits Cape Verde Gas Supply: Officials Urge Calm
Panic buying fueled by the conflict in the Middle East has triggered a surge in demand for butane gas across Cape Verde, leading to long queues and empty shelves at distribution centers. However, energy officials are urging calm, insisting that the archipelago has more than enough fuel to meet the country’s needs.
Vivo Energy Cape Verde, one of the nation’s primary distributors, addressed the situation in a press release on Monday, stating that while consumers are rushing to stock up, there is no actual shortage of gas. “The supply of butane gas in the country is proceeding normally, with replenishments secured from international suppliers,” the company stated, noting that the “perception of scarcity has been influenced by the international geopolitical context.”
Geopolitical Fears Spark Consumer Rush
The company acknowledged that the abnormal increase in demand on several islands, while understandable given global tensions, is placing unnecessary strain on the national distribution chain. Officials are calling for “responsible consumption” and asking citizens to purchase only what they need for their immediate households or businesses.
The distribution crunch has shifted across the islands in recent weeks. Nelson Faria, president of the Association for the Defense of Consumers (ADECO), reported that shortages first appeared on São Nicolau, Fogo, and Boa Vista, before spreading to Santo Antão and São Vicente. Faria has called for a major overhaul of inter-island logistics to prevent future “apparent ruptures” in the supply chain.
Regulatory Crackdown on Gas Hoarding
The Multisectoral Regulatory Agency of the Economy (ARME) echoed the sentiment that storage levels remain sufficient. However, the agency confirmed it is investigating reports of illegal activity, particularly on the island of Fogo, where some retailers have allegedly been hoarding cylinders or selling them at prices far above the government-mandated cap.
“Such practices are illegal and are being investigated in coordination with the relevant authorities,” the regulator warned.
Cape Verde Shielded from Middle East Supply Shocks
Despite the public’s anxiety regarding Middle Eastern instability, energy leaders say Cape Verde’s supply lines are geographically protected. Earlier this month, Enacol CEO Luís Flores clarified that the country has no direct exposure to potential supply disruptions in Iran or the Strait of Hormuz.
Flores reassured the public that Cape Verde is primarily supplied by refineries located on the West African coast and in Western Europe, ensuring that the fuel tankers will keep arriving despite the volatility in other parts of the world.
Image: Pexels – Patrick Winzler
