By: Problyn J. Alpha
The Kono District Monitoring Officer of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Sahr Kembay, has strongly dismissed rumours circulating in the district that fuel prices have increased to thirty-five or thirty-six Leones per litre, describing the claims as baseless and untrue.
Speaking to our correspondent on Tuesday, 28th July 2026, Mr. Kembay clarified that the official pump price of petrol remains thirty-three Leones per litre, while diesel is being sold at thirty-five Leones per litre. He maintained that there has been no official adjustment of petroleum product prices in Kono District or across Sierra Leone.
The NPRA Monitoring Officer warned that any fuel dealer found selling petroleum products above the approved pump price would be violating the regulations of the Authority and would face appropriate sanctions.
Mr. Kembay acknowledged that some irregularities were observed in the operations of certain filling stations within Koidu City during recent spot checks, which he attributed partly to confusion arising from the rumours of a fuel price increase.
He explained that the temporary closure of some filling stations was linked to operational challenges, including fluctuations in global crude oil prices, which have affected the ability of some fuel dealers to secure adequate supplies. He further noted that ongoing conflicts in some oil-producing regions around the world have also contributed to uncertainties in the petroleum market.
According to him, the NPRA, in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone, has developed strategies to ensure stability in the pricing and supply of petroleum products.
“The Authority is fully in control of all players within the petroleum industry, and we strictly prohibit anyone from selling fuel above the approved pump price,” Mr. Kembay stated.
He appealed to members of the public to support the NPRA by reporting any individual or business found violating petroleum regulations, while providing evidence to assist investigations. He emphasized that any official change in petroleum prices would only be communicated through recognized public announcements, press releases, or official notices.
Mr. Kembay also disclosed that any dealer caught selling fuel above the approved price would face a fine of not less than fifty thousand Leones.
Addressing concerns about the temporary closure of some filling stations, he explained that such actions were not necessarily due to fuel attendants hoarding petroleum products, but rather because some stations had reached what he described as “dead stock” fuel supplies reserved for specific essential institutions and operations.
Responding to allegations that fuel monitors are sometimes influenced by fuel dealers because of their financial power, Mr. Kembay rejected the claims, assuring the public that NPRA monitors operate independently and professionally. He added that Kono District currently has sufficient fuel supply, with additional fuel tankers already on their way to replenish stocks.
Meanwhile, following the reported challenges at some filling stations, some commercial motorbike riders within Koidu City and other parts of Kono District have reportedly increased transport fares.
The move has attracted criticism from some residents, who described the fare increase as unfair and unpatriotic. They are calling on the leadership of commercial motorbike riders to engage their members and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect passengers from unnecessary increases.