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Sierra Leoneans are voicing strong demands for significant fuel price reductions ahead of Monday’s expected announcement by the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA) on new pump prices for petrol, diesel, and kerosene.
Social media has been flooded with reactions from citizens who argue that the sharp decline in global crude oil prices should translate to substantial savings at the pump. Brent crude recently fell below $80 per barrel following a peace agreement between the US and Iran, which eased fears over disruptions to oil shipments through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
One citizen, Sheka Lambert Kargbo, suggested that with oil prices dropping to around $55 per barrel, fuel should be sold at “at least Le15 per litre.” Others echoed similar sentiments, with Matthew Saffa Kpaka demanding “drastic reductions” and Alhassan Jalloh calling for a price of “25 per litre.”
However, some citizens expressed skepticism about the extent of the expected reduction. Eustacia Mimi Sundufu warned that the cut should not be the “usual Le1/2” and hoped it would reflect what the people are truly expecting. Michael Nyuma added that “Le20 will be reasonable” but warned that “Le30 will be worst.”
The calls for price cuts extend beyond social media. The Sierra Leone Labour Congress, representing over three million workers, formally requested a review of fuel prices to reflect the decline in international crude prices, noting that consumers have not yet experienced reductions at the pumps despite lower landed costs .
Civil society activist Edmond Abu recently gave the government seven days to lower fuel prices or face nationwide protests, pointing to the end of the Iran war and the subsequent drop in global oil prices. Opposition APC Member of Parliament Hon. Abdul Latiff Sesay also urged the government to reduce prices to between NLe30 and NLe31 per litre.
The NPRA is expected to announce revised prices on Monday, balancing market conditions with the government’s commitment to protecting consumers from rising petroleum costs. The government has been subsidising fuel at a cost of approximately US$4.7 million. Critics, however, have accused authorities of consistently passing on international price increases while delaying reductions when global markets ease.
Currently, petrol sells at NLe35 per litre and diesel at NLe40 per litre, with Sierra Leone ranking among the highest fuel prices in Africa at approximately $1.779 per litre.
