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The National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA) has announced an immediate nationwide moratorium on the construction of gas stations across Sierra Leone.
In a press release issued on 4th March 2026, the Authority stated that the decision is aimed at curbing the proliferation of unregistered and unauthorised gas stations operating in violation of established suitability guidelines, safety policies, and fair trade practices.
According to the NPRA, all new and pending applications for the construction of gas stations have been nullified with immediate effect. The Authority further directed that all unregistered gas stations currently under construction must cease work immediately.
The suspension means that the NPRA will not accept, review, or approve any application seeking permission to construct a gas station until further notice.
During the moratorium period, the Authority will undertake a comprehensive evaluation of compliance with existing regulatory guidelines. Particular attention will be given to ensuring proper separation distances between fuel stations and sensitive public facilities, including residential communities, schools, religious institutions, healthcare centres, swamps, road right-of-ways, and entertainment centres.
The NPRA warned that any breach of the directive will be considered illegal and will attract proportionate enforcement actions in accordance with the law.
Describing the move as being in the public interest, the Authority urged construction firms, oil marketing companies, and fuel dealers to cooperate fully with the directive or face legal consequences.
For further information, the NPRA advised the public to contact its office at the British Council Building, Tower Hill, Freetown.
