Beer prices in Cameroon have since this 16th February 2015 experienced an average 75 CFA francs increase. The upturn was made public in a joint decree signed by the Ministers of Finance and Trade on 12th February 2015.

“Is beer now 650 francs?” Many consumers wondered over this question as soon as the decision was being executed at beer parlours yesterday.

The decree is a logical follow-up to rumours of an imminent increase propagated since December 2014. Many who believed in this increase pointed to the 2015 Finance Law that saw an increase on taxes levied on beer.

At the Directorate General of Taxation, officials explain that the new prices were agreed upon after a meeting with businessmen involved in the sector and consumer associations. During the sitting, participants attempted to strike a balance between the purchasing power of consumers and profits of the brewery companies.

Accordingly, 65 centilitres of beer will witness a 75 CFA francs increase; an average 600 CFA francs and a crate 6600 CFA francs up from 5400. In the same vein, a 33 centilitres bottle will be sold at 37.5 CFAF more.

Most Cameroonians have criticised the new measures given that beer is one of the most consumed beverages in the country.