Following the announcement of a new national fuel pricing schedule, the Government of Sierra Leone has issued a statement attributing the sudden spike in pump prices to international supply chain disruptions and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.

Effective Saturday, March 7, the retail price for petrol and diesel officially rises to NLe32.00 per litre, up from the previous rate of NLe28.50.

In a press release dated March 6, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education explained that because Sierra Leone imports 100% of its petroleum products, the domestic market is highly vulnerable to global shocks.

“Recent tensions in the Gulf region have disrupted oil supply routes and created uncertainty in international fuel markets,” the Ministry stated. “These developments have pushed up the cost of fuel imports in many countries, including Sierra Leone.”

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The National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA) published the detailed “Petroleum Pricing Regime” outlining the new costs. Alongside petrol and diesel, the NPRA set the price of kerosene at NLe28.03 per litre and fuel oil at NLe26.73 per litre.

Acknowledging the heavy economic burden the price hike will place on citizens and local businesses, the government sought to reassure the public that it is taking steps to mitigate the fallout. Authorities say they are collaborating closely with private petroleum companies to keep prices as manageable as possible and to prevent any localized fuel shortages across the country.

The Ministry of Information confirmed that the government will continue to actively monitor the global oil market and provide ongoing updates to the public as the situation evolves.