The Ministry of Trade and Industry has announced a revised pricing structure for wholesale and retail cement across Sierra Leone, citing ongoing global economic challenges as the primary driver for recent price hikes.

In a public notice, the Ministry explained that the rising cost of cement in the country is largely due to developments in the international market. Officials specifically pointed to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, which has triggered a surge in global energy prices and subsequently increased freight and other import-related costs.

To address the situation, the Ministry stated it has engaged with importers and private sector stakeholders in an effort to maintain a steady supply of the commodity and promote fair pricing for consumers.

Following a review of current costs, the government has established new maximum wholesale and retail prices. The wholesale price for Imported Cement (42.5R) is now set at NLe175, while Local Cement (32.5R) is set at NLe165.

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Retail prices have been tiered by location to reflect transportation costs across the country. In the Western Area, retail prices are capped at NLe205 for imported cement and NLe195 for local cement. The highest retail prices are in Karene, where imported cement will cost NLe245 and local cement NLe235.

The complete revised retail pricing structure by location is as follows:

Western Area: Imported NLe205 | Local NLe195

Port Loko: Imported NLe220 | Local NLe210

Makeni: Imported NLe222 | Local NLe212

Kambia: Imported NLe222 | Local NLe212

Tonkolili: Imported NLe223 | Local NLe213

Bo: Imported NLe225 | Local NLe215

Moyamba: Imported NLe227 | Local NLe217

Kenema: Imported NLe230 | Local NLe220

Kono: Imported NLe233 | Local NLe223

Kabala: Imported NLe233 | Local NLe223

Pujehun: Imported NLe235 | Local NLe225

Bonthe: Imported NLe237 | Local NLe227

Kailahun: Imported NLe240 | Local NLe230

Karene: Imported NLe245 | Local NLe235

The Ministry of Trade and Industry assured the public that it will continue to periodically review cement prices in consultation with producers and importers. The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a stable supply of cement at reasonable prices for the populace.