The Sierra Leone People’s Party Government last week increased the price of fuel in the country.
In a Public Announcement dated 3rd February 2021, signed by the Chief Executive Officer of NP (SL) Ltd, Kobi Walker, the Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), Brima Baluwa Korma, the Managing Director of TOTAL Sierra Leone, the Senior Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Financial Secretary, Sahr Jusu, the Managing Director of Leonoil, the above-mentioned told the nation that following recent developments in the international market , fuel prices have been increased, viz :
Petrol: from Le 7,000 per litre to Le 8,500 per litre,
Diesel from Le 7,000 per litre to Le 8,500 per litre,
Kerosene from Le 7,000 per litre to Le 8,500 per litre
Fuel Oil from Le 7,000 per litre to Le 8,500 per litre.
Shortly after the announcement, transportation costs went up immediately in the country.
The fuel price increases triggered bitter protests in the social media from Sierra Leoneans who complained that there had not been any increase in petroleum prices among oil-producers and marketers in the world. They did not understand why the country was being hit with these increases at this time , especially given the fact that it will also lead to a corresponding increase in the prices of food and other basic commodities.
They blamed the SLPP Government for continually bringing hardship on the people.
