The downstream oil sector logistic in the CEMAC countries (Economic Community of Central African States): indicator and factor of social-spatial disparities in access to petroleum products

The Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) in the Central African sub-region has a very significant potential of oil resources. Those resources are central to the global geopolitics as well as the regional economic development issues. Although the economy of the six oil-producing states of the CEMAC is based on oil exploitation, the recurring shortages of petroleum products in those countries cause problems in accessing modern energies (gas, butane and fuel). But beyond those shortages, short-term fluctuations, the socio-spatial disparities in access to petroleum products are the focus of this PhD thesis. This situation which seems paradoxical at first sight for countries endowed with an energy potential though, is a real obstacle to development in particular in the transport and industry sector. The difficulties to access modern energies constrain households in particular those in rural areas, to use the biomass in a traditional way (firewood and animal waste) at the expense of the environment preservation or even at the expense of their health. This thesis aims therefore to diagnose the factors which hinder the universal access (on social and spatial level) to petroleum products and its consequences on the environment. Furthermore, the strategies developed by the actors are also highlighted. We propose some ideas to improve the supply and distribution system of petroleum products in the CEMAC countries. (author)