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The National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), in collaboration with relevant government ministries, is expected to announce new pump prices for petrol, diesel, and kerosene on Monday.
The anticipated announcement follows months of government fuel subsidies, which have reportedly cost the state approximately US$4.7 million.
On April 2, 2026, the government set petrol at NLe35 per litre and diesel at NLe40 per litre, subsidising NLe1.10 per litre on petrol and NLe4.26 per litre on diesel. By late April, the NPRA revealed monthly subsidy costs had reached an estimated US$2.6 million.
Without subsidies, officials said petrol would cost NLe37 per litre and diesel NLe44 per litre.
Despite these measures, Sierra Leone remains among Africa’s highest fuel prices. Global Petrol Prices data from May 2026 placed Sierra Leone fifth highest on the continent at approximately $1.779 per litre for gasoline.
Public Anger Mounts Over Price Delays
Anger is intensifying over fuel pricing as international oil prices fall sharply. Brent crude has dropped to around $78 per barrel in recent days, yet pump prices remain at NLe35 per litre.
Critics accuse authorities of consistently passing on international price increases to consumers while delaying reductions when global markets ease.
The revised prices, expected Monday, aim to reflect market conditions while balancing government commitments to protect consumers from rising global petroleum costs.
