One of Cameroon’s cooking gas distributors, Tradex, has suspended its cash-for-cylinder programme for its 12.5 cylinders in all its distribution networks across the country.

Information from the company however stresses that operations for 2.75 kg and 50 kg cylinders continue. The suspension is sequel to the crisis that rocked the sector months ago when one of the country’s leading gas distributors, SCTM, failed to meet supply.

This led to an unprecedented demand for Tradex gas cylinders, explained the company’s Officer in charge of Communication, Calvin M'bond. He stated that over 80,000 gas cylinders imported in December 2015 were sold in less than two months. Supply could no longer meet demand.

The consequence was to suspend cash-for-cylinder operations. The decision is temporarily, with the company requesting the indulgence of customers. Tradex has announced an imminent arrival of over 50,000 gas cylinders in the country by August.

“We will take a month to clear distribution modalities and by September, over 20,000 gas cylinders will be put in the market,” M’bond told Cameroon Tribune. The firm which was founded in 1999 as a joint-venture between the National Hydrocarbons Corporation – Cameroon’s national oil and Gas Company – and local and foreign investors, is ready to satisfy growing demand.

Meanwhile, deposits for the exchange operation in towns with filling plants like Yaounde, Douala, Garoua and Bafoussam is 20, 000 FCFA and 23, 000 FCFA for those in cities without filling stations.

This entails that those who do not own Tradex cylinders lend bottles before paying for gas at FCFA 6,500 and collect their money back upon the return of the bottles.

Since the energy sector of Cameroon was liberalised in 2000, Tradex has managed to stamp its mark, owning a market share of over 25 per cent. The company imports and distributes oil and derivatives such as lubricants. It also exports its products to the mostly landlocked countries of the Economic Community of Central African States.