The Sierra Leone Petroleum Dealers & Transporter Union (SLPDTU) is raising concerns about the recently approved toll charge for the Wellington Masiaka road.

According to the SLPDTU, their attempts to negotiate a “fair charge” with the Ministry of Works and Public Assets were unsuccessful, and the implemented toll is not “business-friendly” for their industry.

The Union highlighted several key points including the fact that their sector is heavily regulated by the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), which fixes freight charges for deliveries. These charges are determined by a pricing formula involving Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and distribution costs. The SLPDTU claims they have no control over these fixed costs despite facing rising operational expenses.

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They also argued their industry is the only one within the transport sector that directly shoulders the burden of toll charges. Unlike other transporters, they cannot pass this cost on to end users.

The union further points out that while their freight charges remain stagnant, and in some cases decline due to pump price fluctuations, they face increasing costs in other areas. These include metrology fees, vehicle licensing, insurance, goods-in-transit fees, withholding taxes, and even rising costs for spare parts and lubricants.

Given these factors, the SLPDTU is urging the Ministry to reconsider the toll charge, acknowledging the “sacrifice” their members are making. They warn that if the new toll is implemented on May 15th, 2024, as planned, their ability to deliver petroleum products will be “constrained,” potentially leading to disruptions in the supply chain.