A surge in salt prices is impacting Cameroonian households, revealing a gap between official statements and market reality. While the Ministry of Commerce assures the availability of salt at a stable price, consumers are facing shortages and price increases. The 18 kg bag, officially priced at 2,800 FCFA, now sells for up to 5,300 FCFA in several outlets.
Many households have reported this situation, indicating disruptions in supply chains. This surge in salt prices adds to the general inflation of essential goods, exacerbating the economic difficulties faced by the population.
The discrepancy between official and market prices is due to speculation at the distribution level. Intermediaries take advantage of the lack of control to build up artificial stocks, creating scarcity and justifying higher margins. By blocking the normal flow of salt, these operators impose their prices on retailers, who then pass on the increase to consumers.
This situation has a direct impact on the daily lives of households, especially the most modest ones, for whom salt is an essential food item. These repeated crises erode confidence in market regulation mechanisms and weaken social peace. Faced with this situation, reforms of the distribution channels are necessary to avoid such abuses and to ensure that basic products escape the law of the black market.
The Ministry of Commerce has announced the imminent arrival of two ships carrying a total of 50,000 tonnes of raw salt to the port of Douala. The first ship, from Brazil, was due to begin unloading on January 28, 2026, while the second, from Namibia, is expected on February 15, 2026. These arrivals should satisfy domestic demand and stabilize prices for consumers. In 2024, Cameroon imported approximately $237 million worth of salt, sulfur, earth, stone, plaster, lime and cement, underscoring the economic importance of this commodity.
The current situation highlights the need to improve market control and combat speculation to ensure affordable access to essential goods for all Cameroonians. The Cameroonian government must guarantee a regular supply of salt and other essential products to maintain economic and social stability.
