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The Chairman of the CSO Consortium on Petroleum, Alphonso Manley, has outlined key developments in Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges.
Speaking during the government’s weekly press briefing, Manley explained that while the government regulates fuel prices, the process is consultative and involves key stakeholders, including civil society.
“As civil society, we are part of the pricing discussions,” he said, noting that recent engagements with government officials, including the Ministers of Finance and Information, contributed to moderating the pump price to NLe 32 instead of NLe 36.
Manley also pointed to improvements in fuel storage capacity, stating that reserves which previously lasted between 7 to 10 days have now been significantly increased following investments in storage infrastructure.
He further highlighted reforms led by the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority, with support from the World Bank, aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in the sector through a revised pricing formula that balances costs for both consumers and investors.
Despite these gains, Manley raised concerns about ongoing challenges, including supply volatility and safety risks. He cited fire outbreaks at petroleum facilities such as Eco Energy as a major concern, stressing the need for stronger protection measures.
“These incidents pose serious risks to investments and public safety. As civil society, our role is to bring these issues to the attention of government and advocate for solutions that protect both investments and citizens,” he said.
