By Emmanuel Mbowa
Freetown, 28th January 2026- The sudden increase in pump prices announced by the National Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NPRA) has ignited widespread concern among Freetown’s transport operators and commuters. Petrol and diesel now sell at NLe 28.50, up from NLe 25.00, leaving Poda Poda drivers, Kekeh riders, and Okada operators scrambling to adjust fares and manage angry passengers.
Operators say the lack of prior notice has created chaos. “There was no prior notice. It was only when we went to buy petrol that we discovered the increase,” explained Abubakarr Koroma, a Kekeh rider. “I just had a bitter argument with a customer over the new fare from Congo Cross to Wilberforce. They refused to pay Le 6 and gave me Le 5. The government really needs to address this issue.”
Poda Poda drivers echo the frustration. One driver on the Wilberforce–Jui route said, “Now we are buying at NLe 28.50, but there have been no new transport fares issued. If we ask passengers to pay Le 12, they argue. We are asking the government to reduce the price instead.”
Passengers, too, are feeling the pinch. A commuter heading to Lumley recounted being stranded: “The Okada rider didn’t board me because I couldn’t pay Le 40 from Wilberforce to Lumley. I only had Le 20 with me and my items. This is frustrating and unfair.”
Fuel attendants, caught in the middle, say they were simply following orders. “We were directed by our bosses to start selling at NLe 28.50 since this morning. We only came to know about it today,” one attendant said.
With filling stations already enforcing the new rates, the ripple effects are immediate: strained relations between drivers and passengers, disrupted livelihoods, and mounting public anger. Many had expected a price reduction given the current economic hardship, not an increase.
The NPRA’s move has reignited debate over transparency in fuel pricing. Transport operators insist that prior notice and structured fare adjustments are essential to avoid the growing tension on Freetown’s streets.
