00:06Fuel prices in Mauritania have surged, with petrol up 15.3% and diesel 10% after global
00:14supply tensions pushed import costs higher.
00:18The rise is adding to inflationary pressure, prompting the government to respond with support
00:24measures, including higher minimum wage and cash transfers for low-income families.
00:31The government's focus was on practical measures to ease the impact of this unprecedented crisis
00:37while preserving social protection and reinforcing existing safety nets.
00:43At the same time, Noirshad is expanding its strategic fuel storage capacity.
00:49Mauritania has completed the first phase of a major storage project, adding 23,000 cubic
00:56meters of capacity, with another 100,000 still under construction.
01:03There was an annual fuel supply system, with non-monthly delivery volumes, but we requested
01:09an increase in physical fuel stocks available locally.
01:12Once completed, the expansion is expected to significantly improve the country's buffer
01:18against future external supply shocks.
01:23In Mauritania, fuel demand remains relatively limited, whether for aviation, electricity
01:29generation or energy used in industrial services.
01:33In that context, the recent move to raise strategic fuel reserves to around 50% of annual consumption
01:39marks an important step towards strengthening the country's energy security.
01:43But the economic trade-off remains significant.
01:47While larger reserves may improve resilience, the cost of shielding consumers from repeated
01:53price shocks could weight heavily on public finances if oil market volatility persists.
02:01The state will have to absorb the impact of rising prices, especially for energy and basic goods, which
02:07will put additional pressure on the public budget in the short term.
02:10Over the medium term, it may become difficult for the government to maintain subsidies in their
02:14current form.
02:16For Mauritania, the challenge is no longer just absorbing the current fuel truck, but building
02:22a stronger energy security strategy.
02:24The key test now is whether bigger reserves and targeted support can better protect the country
02:31from future disruptions.
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