Illicit sale of gasoline in Benin: A dangerous business

In my first blog, I mentioned that during my stay, I will be writing about my research and some issues related to my country. After talking about the meeting time in Benin, here is another issue. Please free to email me if you need more information or if you have questions regarding these subjects I am writing about.
A dangerous business that has developed over the years since the nineties is the illicit sale of gasoline in every street and city of my country Benin. The common reasons raised by those practicing this business are the increase of unemployment and the excessive price of gasoline at gas stations.

Indeed, at the beginning of the nineties, because of economic difficulties, the government was unable to provide jobs; thus, many graduates without jobs or those laid off started this business. The gasoline came from Nigeria, a frontier country of Benin at almost no cost through smuggling. It is sold in every street and home. It is common to see someone selling the illicit gas near a regular gas station (in the pictures, some vendors' stalls).
Also, the increase of gasoline at gas pumps has encouraged this business. The difference between both prices is often at least the equivalent of a quarter. Therefore, almost everybody prefers to purchase gas in black market to save some cents or dollars. In addition, whenever there is a shortage of this product at the gas pumps, these dealers are ready to serve with a little increase.
Despite governmental authorities’ actions to stop the sale, this business is everyday expending (it is also expending to other Benin frontier countries such as Togo). In fact, it is a prosperous business, solving the unemployment problem and helping those who cannot afford gas at the pump. However, the problems caused by this illicit commerce are multiple. First, it is causing health problems to the sellers, because of the way the gas is transported and sold. Sellers are always inhaling the liquid. Second, the sellers’ life is always in danger because of the multiple fires recorded every week in the country originated by the storing up of the product. Finally, the use of this kind of gas is causing an environmental problem. Indeed, it is demonstrated that the gas that is sold contains a high percentage of lead, causing air pollution when it is used in cars and motorcycles, and people’s health problems.