Despite the deadly consequences, the illicit sale of contraband fuel, locally known as ‘zoa zoa,’ continues to flourish in Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital.

A recent tragedy underscored the dangers: seven members of a family perished in a fire caused by stored illegal fuel in Awae, a town in the Centre region.

‘I sell it to also provide for the needs of my own children,’ said a vendor who requested anonymity due to the illegal nature of the trade. ‘Life is too difficult now. No jobs, no profitable business. That’s why I am selling fuel.’

The illicit fuel is often sold openly along roadsides, despite efforts by national authorities to curb the practice. Some vendors hide the fuel in bags or disguise it with bottles of water to evade detection.

‘I am not afraid because I have been a victim,’ said one vendor who lost her home in a fire caused by stored fuel. ‘My house got burnt but I learnt a lesson not to store fuel in the house ever again.’

Complicity among some uniformed officers facilitates the trade
, vendors claim, with bribes ranging up to 15,000 francs ($27 USD) reportedly paid daily to avoid arrest or confiscation.

According to members of civil society, the government’s failure to dismantle the networks supporting this black market exacerbates the problem.

‘The government has failed in its mission,’ said Simon Pierre Essome, a member of civil society. ‘Authorities know the sources and sales points but take no firm actions to bury the activity.’

Despite the risks, roadside fuel remains cheaper than prices at regulated pumps, attracting customers seeking lower costs.

In response to these challenges, civil society advocates for stronger government enforcement or regulatory measures to ensure safer practices and address the root causes driving this illicit trade.

Source: Cameroon News Agency