35 deaths and 20 injuries recorded after the tragic fire in Sèmes-Kraké. Government members visiting the scene of the tragedy are speaking out on the reform planned to end the illicit sale of gasoline

The Minister of Economy and Finance said that “this tragedy that has just occurred reminds us of the urgent need to resolve the Kpayo issue.” The issue of the commercialization of contraband gas has preoccupied successive governments. Indeed, repression was one of the key actions under the Boni Yayi regime, but it did not solve the problem. For its part, the government of Patrice Talon decided to use methods other than force, after having undertaken actions against evil. Thus, the government has announced the professionalization of the sector with the acquisition of around ten thousand mini-stations. 2,000 mini-stations have already arrived in Cotonou and other stocks are expected to cover all of Benin by the end of 2024. According to Minister Romuald Wadagni, there is no question of banning sales overnight. For him, the social impact of this sector, which allows thousands of families to be fed.

For this reason, the authorities are focusing on retraining and supporting actors to gradually solve the thorny problem of kpayo gasoline, which has already killed too many people.