Trade Minister Alpha Sesay Says Fuel Stocks Will Last 5 to 6 Weeks as Government Steps up Monitoring

Minister of Trade and Industry Alpha Ibrahim Sesay has confirmed that the country currently holds enough fuel to meet demand for five to six weeks, while the government intensifies monitoring and coordination with industry partners to manage the situation.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Truth Media, Minister Sesay said the government’s first concern is ensuring continuous fuel availability for consumers and essential services. He said other related issues would be addressed as they arise, but that maintaining supply remains the top priority.

The minister said the government is working closely with oil marketing companies, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Information, and the Office of the President through the Vice President or the Chief Minister. He described the arrangement as a closed, collaborative monitoring effort to track stocks, distribution and pricing.

Sesay characterized the current situation as an emergency for which the government was not fully prepared. He warned that rising fuel prices have a ripple effect, pushing up the cost of other goods and services both locally and internationally, and complicating economic planning.

Referencing remarks attributed to the Ghanaian president, the minister urged citizens to be mindful of escalating international tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, saying the broader geopolitical context is largely beyond the control of Sierra Leone’s government.

When asked whether conditions would improve or deteriorate, Minister Sesay did not offer a definitive prediction. He said the government will continue to monitor developments and communicate with the public should further action or guidance become necessary.

For now, officials say there is no immediate shortage, but households and businesses should prepare for possible price volatility in the coming weeks. The government’s message is one of vigilance: authorities will track imports, distribution and retail activity and will intervene if supply disruptions or unfair pricing practices emerge.