Libreville, Gabon — Gabon’s trade minister met major food importers on Wednesday to assess national stock levels as Middle East tensions threaten global supply chains, according to local reports.
The gathering, convened by Minister Zenaba Gninga Chaning, drew domestic and international suppliers to the capital to review inventories of essential goods. Importers told the ministry that current warehouses hold roughly three months of consumption, with additional cargoes already at sea, official statements indicate.
Participants pledged to keep prices stable and to share updated data with the government every two weeks.
They signed a joint communiqué describing themselves as “partner enterprises” committed to preventing sudden price hikes.
The ministry said it will activate a monitoring system to track geopolitical developments and adjust import quotas or tariffs if disruptions spread beyond the Red Sea.
Security of supply, price stability and social peace were listed as “non-negotiable priorities” in the government statement. No shortages have been reported in Libreville markets, but authorities want early safeguards after shipping delays hit neighbouring coastal states last month.
Further meetings are scheduled before the end of March.
