Authorities in the Central African Republic (CAR) say they have reached an agreement with Rochefort International, which owns Total-Centrafrique, to end the fuel crisis that hit the country recently.
Total-Centrafrique’s customs operations were suspended after the government said it owed oil taxes of over $3.3m (£2.7m). The closure of its petrol stations for about two weeks led to a fuel crisis, causing long queues at others that were open.
Energy Minister Bertrand Arthur Piri said “all the points were discussed, making it possible to reach an agreement”.
He added that Rochefort International would now “continue Total’s fuel import work”, while engaging in talks with the Ministry of Finance on how to pay its tax debts.
A representative of the energy firm said they were satisfied with the agreements reached with the government.
Meanwhile, a local taxi driver told the BBC the fuel scarcity had pushed them to go to the black market to buy fuel.
Total-Centrafrique, which was recently bought by Rochefort International, is a key supplier of fuel in the CAR.
