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The Native Consortium and Research Centre (NCRC) has awarded Zala Petroleum SL Ltd a Certificate of Recognition for its exceptional commitment to fair pricing and transparency in fuel distribution across Sierra Leone.
At a ceremony held at Zala Petroleum’s head office in Mortaim along the Regent-Grafton Road, NCRC Executive Chairman Edmond Abu Jnr. praised the company as the only fuel station in Sierra Leone selling below the market price while maintaining profitability. Unlike many stations that exploit consumers, Zala Petroleum offers fuel at Le 26 per liter, Le 1.3 cheaper than the national pump price of Le 27.3 at both its Upgun and Mortaim locations.
NCRC’s independent research, conducted last year, revealed serious concerns about fuel pricing and measurement accuracy across the country. Out of an estimated 500 fuel stations, with 60% located in the Western Area, only 18% provide complete liter calibration to customers. In Bo, for instance, only three stations met this standard, prompting NCRC to plan an award ceremony next week to recognize their efforts.
Zala Petroleum stood out due to its commitment to accurate fuel measurement and consumer-friendly pricing, aligning with NCRC’s mission to protect citizens from exploitation. The consortium vowed to begin naming and shaming stations that fail to meet these standards while commending Zala for its dedication to fairness and affordability over the past six months.
Despite Zala’s consumer-friendly policies, some industry players have reportedly lobbied against the company, seeking to undermine its pricing strategy. Edmond Abu, however, defended Zala’s right to sell fuel below the market ceiling price, emphasizing that there is no provision in the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) Act preventing dealers from offering lower prices.
He further commended the Executive Director of PRA, Baluwa Koroma, for resisting pressure to impose artificial price controls, comparing the situation to previous telecom sector restrictions, where regulatory interference hindered competitive pricing.
As fuel prices remain a critical issue for Sierra Leoneans, NCRC urged more businesses to follow Zala’s example in putting consumers first. The organization also encouraged Zala’s Managing Director, Sheku Gibrilla Turay, to maintain the company’s commitment to affordability and transparency, despite industry opposition.
“Sierra Leone needs more businesses like Zala,” Abu stated, warning that NCRC will not only name and shame those lobbying against fair pricing but will also take legal action against them if necessary.
With this recognition, Zala Petroleum has solidified its reputation as a consumer-friendly fuel provider, setting a precedent for ethical business practices in the petroleum sector.
Zala, has proven to be the fuel service provider with strong commitment to people friendly nation building entrepreneurship.
“Native consortium and Research Centre (NCRC) remains committed to provide public spirited services to not only in Sierra Leone but across Africa.” Stated CEO Edmond Joe Abu Jr
They deserve it. I was shocked to see them selling Nle 26 per litre. They deserve more than an award. Congratulations to Zala fuel station located at Regent/Peninsula High way (Mogebah)
I said this today that, there we be some fuel dealers who will 0ip7pgo against this station….this nation we are full of evil to progress, but God will surely judge Evil doers in this nation in Jesus name Amen
What is that certificate for.
If that guy should have raise is price up another different issue will happen to him, now he has done his best his reward is only empty paper.
God get patience
It means a lot to him, he is not doing this in return but to sell the normal price so that other will follow the same thing..
It signifies alot to the institution, native consortium is a renown CSO in the entire world and for them to award him means, even the world will recognize zala and what if another big project comes up and they need someone who can man it in Sierra Leone, I think they’ll consider him through native consortium for his good works. Keep it up MD 👍👍👍👍👍
I was shocked last week when I buy fuel at 26le per litter and not even the price the litter is up to standard meaning the litter is complete without tampered with the fuel pump machine.. but what I want to know is that do they have any other fuel station apart from the one at Regent???
Yeah, they have eastern at up gun area
To be candid enough, we just need 5 of this kind-hearted individual in SL 🇸🇱,who can stand for the betterment of this nation. Kudos to the MD for his kindness showed to the people of SL. Meanwhile, I pray you spread stations all about this country IJN 🙏🏼💖
Congratulations Zala and the petroleum regulatory agency PRA for resisting those other gas company that wanted to close zala, orange and afeicell did the same thing against qcell but NATCOM where carried away by money.
How l wish government to encourage competition instead of limitations.