Gabon: New Mercury Measures to be Enforced from March 9, 2026 LIBREVILLE, Gabon — March 3, 2026 (AGP) – The Gabonese government is set to enforce new measures aimed at controlling the price of 105 products, including food, construction materials, and wood derivatives, starting March 9, 2026. These measures, known as the “new mercury, “follow a week-long period of awareness campaigns that concluded on March 8 in Grand Libreville, officials announced.
According to Minister of Economy, Finance, and Public Participation, in charge of Debt and Life, Finance, Thierry Minko, the DGCCRF will conduct verification operations from March 9, targeting importers, wholesalers, semi-wholesalers, and retailers.
Officials have not yet detailed the nature of the sanctions to be imposed for infractions. During the awareness campaign, teams were deployed in the communes of Libreville, Owendo, and Akanda to remind economic operators of their obligations.
Consumer associations have expressed concerns that this period might provide additional time for some merchants to adjust their practices before the controls begin.
The new mercury, which is a temporary measure pending the launch of the future Central Purchase Center, has received mixed reactions. Some citizens are cautious, recalling the uneven application of previous price control measures. Initial observations after March 9 are expected to assess the effectiveness of the announced controls.
The government has not provided further details on the sanctions that will be imposed for non — compliance.
However, it is stated that controls will be regular and extended throughout the distribution chain. Further details are expected to emerge as the enforcement of the new measures commences.
