Hundreds of private cars, commercial buses, poda podas, kekes, okadas, and individuals are waiting in long queues in filling stations across Freetown and other parts of the country in order to purchase fuel.

The report comes as consumers’ worst fears that the fuel reserves have come up empty appears to now be a reality.

According to reports fuel is Increasing due to the incremented of fuel barrels in the world market and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Born to Blog reported that only two fuel stations are selling fuel in kono with a cost price of Le 15,000 per liter, adding that both stations are owned by the same person.

As Sierra Leoneans continue to line up at fuel stations across the country, citizens are fearing that this fuel shortage could pose serious long-term implications for the already shrinking economy of the country.

The government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Transport and Aviation in collaborations with the Motor Drivers Union and other key stakeholders in the transport sector recently agreed on transportation increments within the Freetown Municipality and the Provincial Border.

The price for one litre of petrol was increased from Le10,000 to Le12,000. Yet, some consumers in Freetown are reporting that they are now purchasing petrol Le18,000 for litre in the black markets.

Citizens are accusing several petrol dealers of refusing to sell the available petrol in their respective stations to vehicle owners, as many prefer giving it to black-marketers to make more profit.

Some of these petrol dealers are not patriotic and therefore prefer profiteering to rendering national service,” Mohamed Sesay, a vehicle owner said, as he struggled to get few liters of fuel for his Land Rover.

“They are selling the fuel to black marketers and leave us to suffer. The government must do something about it,” he stated.

With the constant hike in prices of fuel, there will be a massive rise in prices of other key commodities as well, and this can add to the hardship and suffering citizens are already battling with.

Transport prices are also doubled and the routes shortened while those who cannot afford the new prices had to trek to and fro their places of work or business on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, Petroleum Regulation Agency (PRA) has not yet released a statement regarding the shortage of fuel in the country.