Citizens Angry as Transport Fares Remain Unchanged Despite Lower Fuel Prices

Fuel prices have recently dropped at some stations across Sierra Leone, but public transport fares remain unchanged.

At National Petroleum (NP), petrol is now sold at Le25 per liter and diesel at Le24 per liter. These prices are below the official government pump price of Le27.3. The recent price changes come after several adjustments in fuel costs over the past months.

Native Consortium, a civil society group, has said that fuel could be sold at Le23 per liter without affecting profits for dealers and oil marketing companies. Their assessment is based on market conditions and operational costs.

Despite the fall in fuel prices, transport fares in many areas remain the same. Passengers have noted that fares increased during the time when fuel prices went up to Le30 per liter. Even though fuel prices have since dropped, the fare prices have not decreased accordingly.

On the Wilberforce to Jui route, fares that increased during the period of higher fuel prices have remained at the same level.

In online discussions, some people have expressed concerns that transport fares have not come down alongside fuel prices. They mention that the cost of motorcycle spare parts remains high, which affects transport operators.

Some have also said that drivers and riders make daily payments to traffic officers and taskforces. These payments add to the expenses faced by those working in the transport sector.

While prices at some stations like NP have decreased, not all fuel stations have lowered their pump prices. This results in differences in fuel costs across various locations.

In media discussions, people have said that the different fuel prices across the country may cause transport costs to vary between areas.