The Minister of Hydrocarbons in the Democratic Republic of Congo has raised alarms over massive customs fraud involving petroleum imports, resulting in significant losses for the state treasury.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Minister of State in charge of Hydrocarbons, Acacia Bandubola, has officially alerted the General Customs and Excise Directorate about a large-scale customs fraud concerning the import of petroleum products. This issue primarily affects the southeastern region of the country and has reportedly cost the national treasury hundreds of millions of dollars. The Minister's correspondence, dated January 30, 2026, highlights an alarming rate of petroleum product imports, with nearly two million cubic meters imported from the south in 2025, particularly through the Haut-Katanga province.
The scale of the financial loss is staggering, with estimates suggesting a loss of around 800 million dollars for the treasury. The revelations by Minister Bandubola underscore a significant regulatory and accountability failure within the customs system of the DRC, raising critical questions about compliance and enforcement measures in the importation processes. Such a systemic issue reflects broader challenges within the DRC's governmental institutions, particularly in managing resources and fiscal integrity.
As the DRC continues to grapple with economic difficulties and increased scrutiny from both national and international observers, addressing this customs fraud could be pivotal for improving economic conditions and restoring public trust. The minister’s actions may lead to intensified efforts to enhance regulatory frameworks and improve the efficiency of the customs and import systems, potentially setting a precedent for future governance initiatives aimed at combatting corruption and financial mismanagement throughout the country.
