By Amin Kef (Ranger)
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, linking the development to the sharp rise in global petroleum prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Brima Baluwa Koroma made the clarification during the Government’s Weekly Press Conference held on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. The briefing brought together key Government officials, including the Minister of Trade and Industry and economic experts, to update the public on the global oil situation and its implications for Sierra Leone.
Addressing concerns about the increase in pump prices, Brima Baluwa Koroma explained that Sierra Leone imports refined petroleum products rather than crude oil, a factor that significantly influences the final price consumers pay at the pump. According to him, refined products arrive in the country with additional costs, including freight charges, insurance, commercial levies and other logistical expenses that form part of the overall landing cost.
He noted that those combined factors mean that pump prices in Sierra Leone are influenced by several international variables beyond the country’s direct control.
“The petroleum products imported into Sierra Leone are already processed and include associated costs such as freight and other commercial charges, which ultimately determine the landing cost at our ports,” Brima Baluwa Koroma explained.
The NPRA Director General further emphasized that the recent adjustment in pump prices was necessary to prevent fuel shortages in the country. Maintaining the previous pump price of NLe28.5, he said, would have placed Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) under pressure and potentially disrupted supply.
According to Brima Baluwa Koroma, aligning pump prices with prevailing global market conditions ensures that OMCs are able to continue importing fuel and maintaining stable supply across the country.
He reassured the public that Sierra Leone operates one of the most transparent petroleum pricing mechanisms in the region, adding that the pricing formula used by the NPRA is publicly accessible through the Authority’s website. The formula, he said, allows citizens to understand how various international and domestic cost factors influence fuel prices.
Brima Baluwa Koroma also highlighted that despite the current increase, the NPRA has reduced pump prices eight times since 2018, reflecting the Authority’s commitment to ensuring fair pricing whenever global market conditions allow.
He assured citizens that any reduction in international petroleum prices will automatically be reflected in the domestic market once global oil prices stabilize.
“If global petroleum prices decline, the impact will be reflected in Sierra Leone’s pump prices through the same transparent pricing mechanism,” he noted.
Brima Baluwa Koroma encouraged members of the public to rely on official communication channels for accurate information on petroleum pricing and supply, urging citizens to follow updates from the NPRA, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Also speaking during the press conference, Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Sesay disclosed that the international Platts oil price benchmark has risen significantly in recent months, increasing from 636.4 in January to 686.53 in February and reaching 775.83 in March. The surge, he explained, is largely linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Despite the increase in global prices, the Minister assured the public that petroleum products remain available in Sierra Leone, revealing that current petrol stocks are expected to last about 54 days, while diesel supplies could last for approximately 43 days.
Meanwhile, socio-economic analyst and journalist, Aminata Jalloh, noted that the current fuel price pressure is largely driven by global market dynamics beyond the control of the Government of Sierra Leone. She encouraged authorities to continue implementing measures aimed at cushioning the economic impact on citizens.
Government officials at the briefing reaffirmed their commitment to monitoring global market developments closely while maintaining stable fuel supply and providing timely updates to the public.
