Cameroon’s domestic gas market is poised for a significant development with the launch of a competitive tender on September 1, 2026. This crucial initiative seeks bids for 60,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The official announcement, endorsed by Okie Johnson Ndoh, who presides over the ad hoc Commission for Petroleum Product Imports (CIPP), divides this substantial volume into two distinct lots: one for 35,000 tonnes and another for 25,000 tonnes. The primary objective, as stated by authorities, is to adequately meet the nation’s consumption requirements for the 2026 fiscal year.
Prospective bidders can obtain application documents from the headquarters of the Hydrocarbons Price Stabilization Fund (CSPH), conveniently located at the Warda roundabout in Yaoundé. The evaluation and awarding of these bids are scheduled for September 8, at noon, within the very same premises. At this initial stage, specific details regarding the projected market value, the origin of the products, or the logistical arrangements for transport have not yet been disclosed. These vital parameters are expected to emerge following a thorough technical review of all submitted proposals.
A volume representing nearly five months of external purchases
When contextualized against recent trade flows, the sheer scale of this procurement operation becomes evident. The 2025 Report on the Cameroonian Economy, published by the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development (MINEPAT) and drawing upon data from the Directorate General of Customs, reveals that Cameroon imported 150,420 tonnes of liquefied butanes last year. This figure marks an increase from 145,163 tonnes in 2024, representing a 3.6% year-on-year growth. This steady rise underscores the escalating demand driven by rapid urbanization and the ongoing transition away from wood-based energy sources.
Despite the increased volume, the customs bill experienced a notable decline, falling from 59.38 billion FCFA to 56.159 billion FCFA. This 5.4% reduction is primarily attributed to a relaxation in average import prices. Within this framework, the 60,000 tonnes currently sought represent 39.9% of the total volume acquired in 2025, effectively covering nearly five months of average monthly consumption. Translated into commercial units, this tonnage is equivalent to approximately 4.8 million standard 12.5 kg gas cylinders. Based on an average customs value of around 373,348 FCFA per tonne last year, the theoretical value of this market could approach 22.4 billion FCFA, though the final price will ultimately depend on the specific technical requirements and negotiated delivery terms.
Bipaga, a local buffer with limited capacity
Cameroon does possess a national production capability through the Bipaga gas processing center, situated in the Southern region and commissioned in 2018. The 2023 annual report from the National Hydrocarbons Company (SNH) indicates that Bipaga delivered 34,699 tonnes of LPG that year, an increase from 28,677 tonnes in 2022. This 21% progression marked the facility’s second-highest performance since its inception. Nevertheless, these domestic volumes remain structurally insufficient to meet the nation’s burgeoning internal demand.
In July 2026, the SNH affirmed its commitment for Bipaga to maintain an annual production of approximately 30,000 tonnes of LPG, even following the decommissioning of the Hilli Episeyo floating unit. This baseline figure stands significantly below the 150,420 tonnes imported in 2025. This persistent disparity highlights the Cameroonian market’s susceptibility to external shocks, whether related to logistics or pricing, thereby justifying the frequent tenders initiated by the CSPH to proactively secure essential supplies.
A critical objective for energy security and price stability
The tender launched on September 1 is thus designed to achieve two interconnected goals. Firstly, it aims to eliminate any potential risk of supply disruption during the final quarter of 2026, particularly given that butane gas serves as the primary urban domestic fuel across the country. Secondly, authorities are actively working to mitigate the budgetary strain associated with the implicit subsidy on bottled gas prices, a long-standing burden on public finances managed through the CSPH’s stabilization mechanism.
In practical terms, the true scope of this market — including its final cost, delivery schedule, and impact on strategic reserves — will only become clear once the adjudication process concludes on September 8. The composition of the successful bids will also offer insights into whether the executive prioritizes existing operators within the Cameroonian market or opts to broaden participation to include new international traders.
