By: Saidu Jalloh
The Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Brima Baluwa Koroma, has assured the public of adequate fuel availability nationwide, stating that Sierra Leone currently maintains 45 days’ supply of petrol and 58 days’ supply of diesel.
To mitigate the impact on consumers, the NPRA Director General revealed that the Government is providing a monthly subsidy of $2.6 million.
Speaking at the Government Weekly Press Conference organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Koroma disclosed that despite global market pressures, the country’s fuel reserves remain stable. He attributed recent increases in fuel prices to external shocks, particularly the ongoing Gulf conflict, which he said continues to disrupt global supply chains.
Koroma reported that petrol prices have risen by 78.9 percent, while diesel and jet fuel have increased by 100.72 percent and 102 percent, respectively. He explained that these increases reflect prevailing international market conditions rather than domestic policy decisions.
He emphasized that this intervention is intended to cushion citizens from the full effects of global price hikes.
He further noted that the Government is actively engaging fuel importers to ensure that price adjustments remain manageable, stressing that authorities are committed to preventing the full transfer of increased costs to end users.