By Davida Spaine Solomon
Freetown, 16th March 2026- The Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Brima Baluwa Koroma, has clarified that Sierra Leone imports refined petroleum products and not crude oil, a factor he says plays a significant role in determining the final cost of fuel in the country.
Speaking during the Government’s Weekly Press Conference, Koroma explained that refined petroleum products are already processed finished products which come with additional costs before reaching Sierra Leone’s ports.
He noted that these products attract freight charges, commercial levies, insurance costs, and other associated expenses, all of which contribute to what is known as the landing cost of petroleum products in the country.
According to the NPRA Director General, it is important for citizens to understand that fuel pricing in Sierra Leone is influenced by multiple factors and not solely the price of crude oil on the international market.
“Fuel pricing is determined by several variables beyond the cost of crude oil, including transportation, operational, and regulatory costs,” he explained.
Adjustment of Pump Prices
Koroma further addressed the recent adjustment in pump prices, noting that maintaining the previous NLe28.5 per litre price would have placed the country at risk of experiencing fuel shortages.
He explained that the adjustment became necessary to allow Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to operate in line with the prevailing global market conditions and to ensure the continued availability of petroleum products in the country.
According to him, failure to adjust the pump price could have discouraged fuel importation by suppliers, potentially disrupting supply and creating scarcity on the market.
The NPRA Director General also reassured the public that Sierra Leone operates one of the most transparent fuel pricing formulas in the region, adding that the formula used to determine fuel prices is publicly available on the Authority’s website for citizens to access.
Fuel Price Reductions Since 2018
Providing further context, Koroma disclosed that since 2018, the NPRA has reduced pump prices eight times, a move he said reflects the authority’s commitment to applying a transparent and responsive pricing mechanism.
He explained that the pricing structure allows for adjustments in response to developments in the international market, ensuring that both increases and reductions in global petroleum prices are reflected locally.
Koroma added that once the situation in the Middle East stabilizes and global oil prices decline, the corresponding reductions will also be reflected in pump prices in Sierra Leone.
He encouraged citizens to rely on official channels such as the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority for accurate and credible updates regarding fuel prices and related developments.
