By: Aminata Sesay
Honourable Ben Alpha Mansaray has voiced strong concerns over the growing disparity between fuel prices and transport fares in Sierra Leone, urging swift government intervention to protect the interests of ordinary citizens.
In a recent interview following a parliamentary session, Hon. Mansaray called on the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) and the Ministry of Transport and Aviation to issue an official press release reflecting recent reductions in fuel prices by private companies. He pointed out that several fuel retailers have lowered their pump prices to as low as NLe 24, NLe 25, and NLe 26 per litre, while the government’s official rate remains at NLe 27.40.
“There is a serious national concern,” Mansaray stated. “There’s a clear price discrepancy between the cost of fuel and transport fares. For months now, private companies have reduced their prices, but the relevant government institutions have remained silent. This delay is unfortunate.”
Hon. Mansaray highlighted that despite a global decline in fuel pricesby as much as 20 percent Sierra Leoneans have yet to experience any relief in transportation costs. He argued that the absence of timely government regulation continues to drive up the cost of living.
“Fuel prices have decreased globally, yet the government hasn’t revised the official pump price. This affects more than just transportation it inflates the cost of essential goods and services,” he said. “We need an updated, regulated price structure and we need it now.”
Relying on Standing Order 23, Mansaray brought the matter to the attention of Parliament, urging the Speaker to summon the relevant regulatory authorities. In response, the Speaker directed the Committees on Trade and Transport to jointly summon both the PRA and the Ministry of Transport for clarification and accountability.
“I want to thank the Speaker for this response. It’s an important development. As Members of Parliament, our duty is to speak for the people and highlight issues that affect their daily lives. This is not a party issue this is a nationwide problem,” Mansaray emphasized.
When asked whether his remarks reflect his party’s stance, Mansaray clarified that he was speaking in his capacity as an individual MP.
“While I may not speak on behalf of the entire party, I am speaking in the public interest. Frankly, it’s disappointing that private companies can lower fuel prices, yet government agencies haven’t updated the official rate. Their silence is inexcusable.”
Hon. Mansaray concluded by reiterating the need for government transparency and immediate action.
“We expect to see press releases from both the Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Ministry of Transport. But more than that, we want to see a reduction in transport fares, so the people of this country can feel the benefit.”
As the nation awaits the outcome of the parliamentary committee investigations, citizens across Sierra Leone remain hopeful that these discussions will result in meaningful changes to alleviate the rising cost of living.