By Kemeseng Sanneh (Kexx)
Jah Oil has announced a massive cement shipment to ease the shortage in the country. Facing widespread concerns over a persistent cement shortage and allegations of government protection, Jah Oil, the nation’s largest local supplier, has announced a significant intervention with the imminent arrival of a 53,000-metric-ton vessel in Banjul within the next 48 hours. The company states this unprecedented supply will stabilise the market and maintain a new price of D390 per bag.
Momodou Hydara, Managing Director of Jah Oil, assured the public that this historic order is a direct response to the current scarcity. He noted that while the large vessel is en route, smaller 4,000-ton shipments are already shuttling to and from Banjul to meet immediate construction demands.
Addressing the root cause of the shortage, Hydara dismissed claims of internal issues, attributing the disruption to “a normal phenomenon that can happen to any business.” He firmly stated, “Our company has sufficient capacity to continue meeting national demand.”
Hydara specifically pointed to global market disruptions stemming from Donald Trump’s tariffs on various countries, particularly Vietnam. He explained that when the American cement industry faced a 47% tariff on Vietnamese imports, it shifted its focus to Egypt and Turkey – historically major sources for Jah Oil. This sudden surge in demand from the U.S. distorted prices, as American companies booked significantly higher volumes.
“All of a sudden, the supplier couldn’t catch up with that competition and informed us about a huge hike in price,” Hydara explained. He added that the company immediately informed the Gambian government of the situation but received no immediate response. Subsequently, after realising the global nature of the price increases and factoring in the inflation of the Dalasi against the US dollar, Jah Oil informed the government that the price could no longer remain at D355.
Despite the necessary price adjustment, Hydara asserted that The Gambia still boasts the most affordable cement prices in West Africa. He highlighted that even in Senegal, the lower quality 32.5R cement retails at D468, with 42.5R exceeding D500. In contrast, Jah Oil is selling the higher quality 42.5R for D390 at the factory and D415 at its stores.
“This is why we are proud as a Gambian company to say that we are bringing the best,” he stated.
Hydara did not shy away from accusing cement importers of deliberately inflating prices to pressure the government and undermine Jah Oil. He urged the government and consumer protection agencies to investigate these practices.
“You cannot come here, buy cement for D390 and sell it to your customers at D450 or D475. How is that fair to the consumers?” Hydara questioned.
“You think you are doing this to discredit and sabotage Jah Oil, but on the contrary, you are punishing the very people you promise to serve. This is exactly what is happening in the market.”
