CSO condemns fuel increments from Le7,000- Le9,000 in one year

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The Renaissance Movement under the leadership of Lawyer Augustine Marah has condemned the fuel increments by the Government of Sierra Leone from Le7,000 to Le9,000 within 12 months. According to the Movement the increase in fuel prices comes amidst consistent inflation, consequently affecting the purchasing value of the Leones. “Such inflationary trend without intentional policies aimed at remedying burning issues in the economy continue to have profound impact on the lives and livelihood of the people of Sierra Leone.” On Friday 17th January 2020, Government increased the pump prices of petroleum products in the country by Le 500 from Le 8,500 to Le9,000, which has triggered a lot of debates from different quarters in the country. The Renaissance Movement in their position paper on the fuel issue said the price increase came without any corresponding measure by the Government to cushion the impact on the cost of living of the majority of Sierra Leoneans, who they said are living below a dollar a day and cannot afford the cost of one litre fuel. “We hereby put this Government on notice that any further increase in fuel prices without a corresponding clear economic justification and cushioning would provoke a call by the Movement for a nationwide protest.” Another Civil Society Organization Native Consortium and Research Centre headed by Edmond Abu also condemned the increments of transportation due to the Le500 increment of fuel products.

“However we are a little disappointed in the marginal increment in the transport fare (pole to pole) for instance Le 1,500 to Le 1,600 in the town service and Provincial distances. Sierra Leoneans are no longer used to coins in Freetown, and we suspect that the unavailability of coins in the central Bank will create a huge embarrassment between Passengers and Drivers.” Amongst their concerns they called the government to liberalize the Oil sector by creating an additional 200,000 metric tons of centralise storage and bring back the Oil Refinery through Public Private Partnership (PPP).

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