The Congolese government has extended by 45 days the suspension or reduction of several taxes and charges applicable to the importation of petroleum products. The decision was formalised in a letter signed on May 5, 2026 by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, and involves the ministries of National Economy, Hydrocarbons, and Finance.
The government cited the ongoing petroleum crisis stemming from the conflict in the Persian Gulf as the basis for the extension, noting that supply costs for fuel imports remain under sustained pressure. The measure carries direct relevance for mining operators in the DRC, for whom fuel represents a significant component of operational expenditure.
Under the extended relief, several charges remain fully suspended, including sanitary fees, border hygiene charges, certain regulatory fees, LMC fees, CGW fees, and the DGDA levy. A separate category of charges — covering inspection, control, and CVM fees — remains subject to a 50% reduction rather than full suspension.
No end-date beyond the 45-day extension was indicated, nor was any assessment of the fiscal cost of the measure to the public treasury included in the official communication.
