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The National Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NPRA) of Sierra Leone has clarified that the recent increase in petroleum prices is a direct result of new tax measures outlined in the 2026 Government of Sierra Leone National Budget, aimed at strengthening domestic revenue mobilization.
The clarification comes amid mounting criticism from opposition Members of Parliament and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) who have directed blame toward the National Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NPRA) for the rise in pump prices.
During the presentation of the 2026 Budget to Parliament, the Minister of Finance, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, announced a strategic increase in the excise duty on petroleum products. The move is intended to generate “serious revenue” to fund essential government development projects and social services.
“The NPRA is just a regulatory agency,” says an opinion article endorsed by the NPRA, emphasizing that the pricing decision was a government policy implemented through the agency. “This was a government decision, not NPRA.”
It further emphasized that the 2026 Budget, which included these tax adjustments, was formally approved by Parliament prior to the price change.
The NPRA recently adjusted the price ceiling for petrol and diesel from NLe 27.4 to NLe 28.5. Officials have pointed out that this figure represents a maximum limit, not a mandatory price.
Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are legally permitted to sell below this ceiling.
The price hike has reignited debates regarding the structure of Sierra Leone’s petroleum industry. Critics of the current system argue that a “cartel” formed by major players like NP and Leonco hinders price reductions.
Proponents of reform suggest that the government should consider direct involvement in the importation of petroleum products—similar to models used in Ghana and other West African nations—to dismantle perceived monopolies and stabilize costs for consumers.
How can you increase fuel price on the ordinary sierra Leone to pay big fat salaries to fews government officials who do nothing to but steal from the government. The option should have been to implement austerity measures and not take from the already poor sierra leonean.
The increase is a great suffering for the poor people.as every thing has gone up both in prices and transportation.gournment must do something to reduce the stress of the original Sierra Leoneans.
No