By: Saidu Jalloh
The Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Brima Baluwa Koroma, has clarified the reasons behind the recent adjustment in fuel pump prices in Sierra Leone, stating that the decision was necessary to prevent a potential shortage of petroleum products in the country.
Koroma made the statement during the Government’s Weekly Press Conference organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on Tuesday, 10th March 2026.
Explaining the situation, he noted that Sierra Leone does not import crude oil but rather refined petroleum products. According to him, these products already include several additional costs before reaching the country.
He added that the final landing cost of fuel in Sierra Leone is influenced by several factors, including freight charges, commercial levies and other operational expenses associated with transporting refined petroleum products to the country’s ports.
Koroma emphasized that maintaining the previous pump price of NLe 28.5 would have posed a serious risk of fuel shortages, as Oil Marketing Companies would have struggled to operate under the changing global market conditions.
“The adjustment in pump prices became necessary to allow Oil Marketing Companies to align with the realities of the international petroleum market and ensure the continuous availability of fuel in the country,” he stated.
The NPRA Director General also reassured the public that Sierra Leone operates one of the most transparent fuel pricing formulas in the region. He explained that the formula used to determine pump prices is publicly accessible on the NPRA website, enabling citizens to understand how fuel prices are calculated.
Koroma further disclosed that the NPRA has reduced fuel prices eight times since 2018, attributing the reductions to the Authority’s transparent and responsive pricing mechanism.
He assured citizens that once global oil prices stabilize, the changes will be reflected in Sierra Leone’s pump prices. He noted that the current increase in international petroleum prices has largely been influenced by ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Koroma encouraged the public to rely on official information from the NPRA and other relevant government institutions for accurate updates regarding petroleum pricing and supply in the country.