A joint statement signed by the ministries of Trade and Finance, as well as representatives of oil marketing companies showed that the biggest reduction is on petrol, which is now Le7000, down from Le8,000 per liter (Local currency trades at Le8, 418.71 to a US$ as per
Central Bank rates). Diesel was reduced from Le8, 000 to Le7, 500; Kerosene from Le8, 000 to Le7, 600; and fuel oil from Le7, 000 to Le6,500.
The government said the move is a demonstration of President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to improving the lives of the ordinary Sierra Leoneans. Presidential Press Secretary, Yusuf Keketoma Sandi, said it was also a fulfilment of the President’s New Year message, in which he promised “a year of hope.”
“The myth that when prices increase they never reduce has once again been broken by President Bio. In nine months, President Bio has not only increased salary, reduced taxes but also he has reduced the prices of petroleum products,” the Presidential spokesman commented in post on social media.
The move has been welcomed by particularly supporters of the governing SLPP, which has come under heavy pressure from its opponents in the last few days for the government’s slow response to the reduction of prices of fuel products at the international market.
Fuel has been a major political issue in the West African, especially in the last five years, during which period pump prices have been increased at least three times. In all of those instances the civil society has put up a strong challenge over the negative effects of it on the ordinary citizens.
Sierra Leone reduces fuel prices
